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| Thomas McGovern, Ingrid Mainland and Tom Amorosi

Hofstaðir 1996-7:A Preliminary Zooarchaeological Report

Excavations in the Area G depression in 1996-7 revealed a series of well stratified layers with excellent organic preservation. These deposits contained both burnt and unburned bone in substantial quantities, allowing for zooarchaeological analysis. Preliminary results indicate a farm economy based on cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs but heavily supplemented by both freshwater fish and processed marine fish imported from the coast. Notable also were quantities of bird eggshells and very small mussels (probably brought in attached to seaweed). The mix of species differs considerably from the modern local pattern of sheep herding. Analysis continues and additional reports will be forthcoming.



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