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On the Methodology of Faunal Analysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Donald K. Grayson
Donald K. Grayson*
Affiliation:
Division of Social Sciences, Kirkland College
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Abstract

Although faunal analysis has a long history in archaeological studies, little emphasis has been placed upon the development of methodologies which would allow the valid and reliable analysis of animal remains from archaeological sites. The most crucial decision which a faunal analyst must make as regards the statistical manipulation of his data concerns the proper unit to use in that manipulation. The 2 units which seem to have gained most popularity in faunal studies are discussed, as are the generally non-comparable results which stem from the various ways in which 1 of these units—the minimum number of individuals—has been applied. Finally, suggestions for the standardization of the use of minimum numbers in faunal analysis are made.

Type
Reports
Information
American Antiquity , Volume 38 , Issue 4 , October 1973 , pp. 432 - 439
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for American Archaeology 1973

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