Jacob I Griffith | Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) (original) (raw)
Books by Jacob I Griffith
by Dimitrije Markovic, Teodora Mladenović, Mladen Mladenović, Chiara Messana, Elena Vasileva, Vito Giuseppe Prillo, Milan Savić, Aleksa Alaica, Ana Beatriz Santos, Jessica Peto, ROCÍO PAZOS GARCÍA, Rosana Cerezo-Fernández, Jacob I Griffith, and Benjamin Wimmer
The book of abstracts from the 9th PZAF (Postgraduate Zooarchaeology Forum)
The Economy of a Norse Settlement in the Outer Hebrides: Excavations at Mounds 2 and 2A Bornais, South Uist, 2020
Domestic cattle held a prominent role within the Norse subsistence economy at Mounds 2 and 2a, Bo... more Domestic cattle held a prominent role within the Norse subsistence economy at Mounds 2 and 2a, Bornais; a multi-period site on the island of South Uist, Scotland. Inhabitation of this site was constrained by its liminal environment and as such, the determination of how the Norse managed and utilised their cattle is an important element of understanding how they subsisted and survived. This study performed sequential multi-isotopic analysis on the dentine and enamel of the first and second molars of five cattle individuals taken from the Norse phases of the site. The aim was to recreate an oxygen, carbon and nitrogen isotopic biography of the early life of these cattle; oxygen biography from in utero through the first twelve/thirteen months of life and a nitrogen and carbon biography of the first twenty-four to twenty-five months. The results patterned isotopic values against ascending age, revealing ratio changes intrinsic with human-mediated interactions and provided evidence for husbandry practices previously unobservable. Practices included; autumn birthing rhythms in the Middle Norse period, human-mediated early weaning, seasonal transhumance during the spring/summer to in-land pastures and the supplementation of fodder during the winter, which was collected off-site. It also provides evidence suggesting that domestic cattle of that time may have lactated for longer periods than first presumed. The study therefore concludes that the cattle husbandry practices of the Norse occupants centred on the environment in order to maximise yield from their herd.
Papers by Jacob I Griffith
Frontiers for Young Minds, 2022
Your dentist can tell a lot about your health and daily habits just by looking at your teeth. But... more Your dentist can tell a lot about your health and daily habits just by looking at your teeth. But did you know that archaeological scientists have discovered that there is a lot more information hidden in teeth? We can study the chemical composition of teeth and can find out what types of food a person ate, and even where that food was growing. When we find teeth in archaeological sites, a method called isotope analysis can be used to reconstruct the movements and diets of people, even when no written records are available. In this article, we will discuss what our teeth are made of and how isotope analysis can be used to learn more about ancient people. We will then look at an archaeological site in France, where children discovered bones and teeth on the playground behind their kindergarten.
Domestic cattle held a prominent role within the Norse subsistence economy at Mounds 2 and 2a, Bo... more Domestic cattle held a prominent role within the Norse subsistence economy at Mounds 2 and 2a, Bornais; a multi-period site on the island of South Uist, Scotland. Inhabitation of this site was constrained by its liminal environment and as such, the determination of how the Norse managed and utilised their cattle is an important element of understanding how they subsisted and survived. This study performed sequential multi-isotopic analysis on the dentine and enamel of the first and second molars of five cattle individuals taken from the Norse phases of the site. The aim was to recreate an oxygen, carbon and nitrogen isotopic biography of the early life of these cattle; oxygen biography from in utero through the first twelve/thirteen months of life and a nitrogen and carbon biography of the first twenty-four to twenty-five months. The results patterned isotopic values against ascending age, revealing ratio changes intrinsic with human-mediated interactions and provided evidence for husbandry practices previously unobservable. Practices included; autumn birthing rhythms in the Middle Norse period, human-mediated early weaning, seasonal transhumance during the spring/summer to in-land pastures and the supplementation of fodder during the winter, which was collected off-site. It also provides evidence suggesting that domestic cattle of that time may have lactated for longer periods than first presumed. The study therefore concludes that the cattle husbandry practices of the Norse occupants centred on the environment in order to maximise yield from their herd.
Frontiers For Young Minds, 2022
Your dentist can tell a lot about your health and daily habits just by looking at your teeth. But... more Your dentist can tell a lot about your health and daily habits just by
looking at your teeth. But did you know that archaeological scientists
have discovered that there is a lot more information hidden in teeth?
We can study the chemical composition of teeth and can find out
what types of food a person ate, and even where that food was
growing.When we find teeth in archaeological sites, amethod called
isotope analysis can be used to reconstruct themovements and diets
of people, even when no written records are available. In this article,
we will discuss what our teeth are made of and how isotope analysis
can be used to learn more about ancient people. We will then look
at an archaeological site in France, where children discovered bones
and teeth on the playground behind their kindergarten.
ICAZ Newsletter, 2020
ZOOARCH is an internet discussion list for zooarchaeologists created by Jacqui Mulville in 2000, ... more ZOOARCH is an internet discussion list for zooarchaeologists created by Jacqui Mulville in 2000, and managed by Jacqui and Umberto Albarella (University of Sheffield, UK) ever since. Now, 20 years on, it seems timely to review how and why ZOOARCH came into being, and the role this medium of exchange has played in shaping and supporting the zooarchaeological community
Cardiff University SHARE eJournal Blog (Of Beasts & Men series), 2018
The common interaction between both humans and foxes has led to a variety of differing relationsh... more The common interaction between both humans and foxes has led to a variety of differing relationships between the two. In this article, a discussion of the differing roles and interaction dynamics seen in past societies is made in comparison to what we can see in modern history and contemporary societies. Further, the piece also discuss the potential issues that modern perceptions of the fox may hold over current archaeological study.
Conference Presentations by Jacob I Griffith
Isotopic Analysis Sessions: Bioarchaeology Early Career Conference, 2021
Domestic cattle held a prominent role within the Norse subsistence economy at Mounds 2 and 2a, Bo... more Domestic cattle held a prominent role within the Norse subsistence economy at Mounds 2 and 2a, Bornais; a multi-period site on the island of South Uist, Scotland. Inhabitation of this site was constrained by its liminal environment and as such, the determination of how the Norse managed and utilised their cattle is an important element of understanding how they subsisted and survived. This study performed sequential multi-isotopic analysis on the dentine and enamel of the first and second molars of five cattle individuals taken from the Norse phases of the site. The aim was to recreate an oxygen, carbon and nitrogen isotopic biography of the early life of these cattle; oxygen biography from in utero through the first twelve/thirteen months of life and a nitrogen and carbon biography of the first twenty-four to twenty-five months. The results patterned isotopic values against ascending age, revealing ratio changes intrinsic with human-mediated interactions and provided evidence for husbandry practices previously unobservable. Practices included; autumn birthing rhythms in the Middle Norse period, human-mediated early weaning, seasonal transhumance during the spring/summer to in-land pastures and the supplementation of fodder during the winter, which was collected off-site. It also provides evidence suggesting that domestic cattle of that time may have lactated for longer periods than first presumed. The study therefore concludes that the cattle husbandry practices of the Norse occupants centred on the environment in order to maximise yield from their herd.
The 8th PZAF (Postgraduate Zooarchaeology Forum) in Yerevan, 2019
Since the 1960’s, zooarchaeologists have formulated a variety of methodologies in an attempt to o... more Since the 1960’s, zooarchaeologists have formulated a variety of methodologies in an attempt to objectively and accurately quantify faunal assemblages into datasets. These constructed frameworks have been used to gain an overview of differing trends within faunal data, most commonly; counts of species, bone elements and fragments. The application and development of quantification methodologies have been undoubtedly integral to the ever-advancing field of zooarchaeology; revealing patterns and biases which would previously unseen in datasets. However, where the use of quantification falls short is the appeared lack of standardisation. From the 1980’s, zooarchaeologist began to create alternatives to previously constructed techniques in attempt to formulate the most accurate methodology. Resultingly, many alternate methods have been created to answer the same question, and differing units and institutions will often employ the one which they view as the most accurate. This lack of standardisation has meant that cross-analysis between site-based datasets is often inaccurate and thus unemployable. This paper compares the most common quantification methodologies revealing that, although the use of many frameworks has significantly impacted our understanding of individual faunal dataset, the lack of standardisation has arguably impeded the analysis and creation of intra-site datasets.
United Kingdom Archaeological Sciences Conference (UKAS) 2019 in Manchester, 2019
Since the 1960’s, zooarchaeologists have formulated a variety of methodologies in an attempt to ... more Since the 1960’s, zooarchaeologists have formulated a variety of methodologies in an attempt to objectively and accurately quantify faunal assemblages into datasets. These constructed frameworks have been used to gain an overview of differing trends within faunal data, most commonly; counts of species, bone elements and fragments. The application and development of quantification methodologies have been undoubtedly integral to the ever-advancing field of zooarchaeology; revealing patterns and biases which would previously unseen in datasets. However, where the use of quantification falls short is the appeared lack of standardisation. From the 1980’s, zooarchaeologist began to create alternatives to previously constructed techniques in attempt to formulate the most accurate methodology. Resultingly, many alternate methods have been created to answer the same question, and differing units and institutions will often employ the one which they view as the most accurate. This lack of standardisation has meant that cross-analysis between site-based datasets is often inaccurate and thus unemployable. This paper compares the most common quantification methodologies revealing that, although the use of many frameworks has significantly impacted our understanding of individual faunal dataset, the lack of standardisation has arguably impeded the analysis and creation of intra-site datasets.
The 7th PZAF (Postgraduate Zooarchaeology Forum) in Palermo, 2018
The red fox is the most common wild carnivore in the northern hemisphere and its adaptable, scave... more The red fox is the most common wild carnivore in the northern hemisphere and its adaptable, scavenging nature has led to the existence of a human-fox relationship since prehistoric times. This paper examines the potential roles of the red fox in prehistoric societies, particularly Çatalhöyük, Central Anatolia. The study aims to identify and comprehend these roles and to investigate whether modern preconceptions could influence archaeological research. Faunal data sets from Çatalhöyük were utilised to support the conclusions as well as evidence from material culture and publications on the subject of the roles of animals within past and present societies. Analysis of the data and the supporting evidence resulted in the conclusion that the red fox played multiple roles at Çatalhöyük and within prehistoric societies. It was found that these roles could be divided into three categories: resource, symbol and companion. Çatalhöyük provided evidence for resource and symbolic roles but not companionship. It was concluded that a lack of evidence did not disprove the existence of a companionship relationship between foxes and humans. Additionally, it was found that the multiple roles held by the red fox at Çatalhöyük and in other prehistoric societies did not correspond with the fox’s lack of utilisation in modern ones. The theory that modern preconceptions regarding the red fox’s lack of value to humans could impact on archaeological research may be supported by the dearth of archaeological studies relating to the animal and the fact that the red fox is often overlooked or disregarded.
by Dimitrije Markovic, Teodora Mladenović, Mladen Mladenović, Chiara Messana, Elena Vasileva, Vito Giuseppe Prillo, Milan Savić, Aleksa Alaica, Ana Beatriz Santos, Jessica Peto, ROCÍO PAZOS GARCÍA, Rosana Cerezo-Fernández, Jacob I Griffith, and Benjamin Wimmer
The book of abstracts from the 9th PZAF (Postgraduate Zooarchaeology Forum)
The Economy of a Norse Settlement in the Outer Hebrides: Excavations at Mounds 2 and 2A Bornais, South Uist, 2020
Domestic cattle held a prominent role within the Norse subsistence economy at Mounds 2 and 2a, Bo... more Domestic cattle held a prominent role within the Norse subsistence economy at Mounds 2 and 2a, Bornais; a multi-period site on the island of South Uist, Scotland. Inhabitation of this site was constrained by its liminal environment and as such, the determination of how the Norse managed and utilised their cattle is an important element of understanding how they subsisted and survived. This study performed sequential multi-isotopic analysis on the dentine and enamel of the first and second molars of five cattle individuals taken from the Norse phases of the site. The aim was to recreate an oxygen, carbon and nitrogen isotopic biography of the early life of these cattle; oxygen biography from in utero through the first twelve/thirteen months of life and a nitrogen and carbon biography of the first twenty-four to twenty-five months. The results patterned isotopic values against ascending age, revealing ratio changes intrinsic with human-mediated interactions and provided evidence for husbandry practices previously unobservable. Practices included; autumn birthing rhythms in the Middle Norse period, human-mediated early weaning, seasonal transhumance during the spring/summer to in-land pastures and the supplementation of fodder during the winter, which was collected off-site. It also provides evidence suggesting that domestic cattle of that time may have lactated for longer periods than first presumed. The study therefore concludes that the cattle husbandry practices of the Norse occupants centred on the environment in order to maximise yield from their herd.
Frontiers for Young Minds, 2022
Your dentist can tell a lot about your health and daily habits just by looking at your teeth. But... more Your dentist can tell a lot about your health and daily habits just by looking at your teeth. But did you know that archaeological scientists have discovered that there is a lot more information hidden in teeth? We can study the chemical composition of teeth and can find out what types of food a person ate, and even where that food was growing. When we find teeth in archaeological sites, a method called isotope analysis can be used to reconstruct the movements and diets of people, even when no written records are available. In this article, we will discuss what our teeth are made of and how isotope analysis can be used to learn more about ancient people. We will then look at an archaeological site in France, where children discovered bones and teeth on the playground behind their kindergarten.
Domestic cattle held a prominent role within the Norse subsistence economy at Mounds 2 and 2a, Bo... more Domestic cattle held a prominent role within the Norse subsistence economy at Mounds 2 and 2a, Bornais; a multi-period site on the island of South Uist, Scotland. Inhabitation of this site was constrained by its liminal environment and as such, the determination of how the Norse managed and utilised their cattle is an important element of understanding how they subsisted and survived. This study performed sequential multi-isotopic analysis on the dentine and enamel of the first and second molars of five cattle individuals taken from the Norse phases of the site. The aim was to recreate an oxygen, carbon and nitrogen isotopic biography of the early life of these cattle; oxygen biography from in utero through the first twelve/thirteen months of life and a nitrogen and carbon biography of the first twenty-four to twenty-five months. The results patterned isotopic values against ascending age, revealing ratio changes intrinsic with human-mediated interactions and provided evidence for husbandry practices previously unobservable. Practices included; autumn birthing rhythms in the Middle Norse period, human-mediated early weaning, seasonal transhumance during the spring/summer to in-land pastures and the supplementation of fodder during the winter, which was collected off-site. It also provides evidence suggesting that domestic cattle of that time may have lactated for longer periods than first presumed. The study therefore concludes that the cattle husbandry practices of the Norse occupants centred on the environment in order to maximise yield from their herd.
Frontiers For Young Minds, 2022
Your dentist can tell a lot about your health and daily habits just by looking at your teeth. But... more Your dentist can tell a lot about your health and daily habits just by
looking at your teeth. But did you know that archaeological scientists
have discovered that there is a lot more information hidden in teeth?
We can study the chemical composition of teeth and can find out
what types of food a person ate, and even where that food was
growing.When we find teeth in archaeological sites, amethod called
isotope analysis can be used to reconstruct themovements and diets
of people, even when no written records are available. In this article,
we will discuss what our teeth are made of and how isotope analysis
can be used to learn more about ancient people. We will then look
at an archaeological site in France, where children discovered bones
and teeth on the playground behind their kindergarten.
ICAZ Newsletter, 2020
ZOOARCH is an internet discussion list for zooarchaeologists created by Jacqui Mulville in 2000, ... more ZOOARCH is an internet discussion list for zooarchaeologists created by Jacqui Mulville in 2000, and managed by Jacqui and Umberto Albarella (University of Sheffield, UK) ever since. Now, 20 years on, it seems timely to review how and why ZOOARCH came into being, and the role this medium of exchange has played in shaping and supporting the zooarchaeological community
Cardiff University SHARE eJournal Blog (Of Beasts & Men series), 2018
The common interaction between both humans and foxes has led to a variety of differing relationsh... more The common interaction between both humans and foxes has led to a variety of differing relationships between the two. In this article, a discussion of the differing roles and interaction dynamics seen in past societies is made in comparison to what we can see in modern history and contemporary societies. Further, the piece also discuss the potential issues that modern perceptions of the fox may hold over current archaeological study.
Isotopic Analysis Sessions: Bioarchaeology Early Career Conference, 2021
Domestic cattle held a prominent role within the Norse subsistence economy at Mounds 2 and 2a, Bo... more Domestic cattle held a prominent role within the Norse subsistence economy at Mounds 2 and 2a, Bornais; a multi-period site on the island of South Uist, Scotland. Inhabitation of this site was constrained by its liminal environment and as such, the determination of how the Norse managed and utilised their cattle is an important element of understanding how they subsisted and survived. This study performed sequential multi-isotopic analysis on the dentine and enamel of the first and second molars of five cattle individuals taken from the Norse phases of the site. The aim was to recreate an oxygen, carbon and nitrogen isotopic biography of the early life of these cattle; oxygen biography from in utero through the first twelve/thirteen months of life and a nitrogen and carbon biography of the first twenty-four to twenty-five months. The results patterned isotopic values against ascending age, revealing ratio changes intrinsic with human-mediated interactions and provided evidence for husbandry practices previously unobservable. Practices included; autumn birthing rhythms in the Middle Norse period, human-mediated early weaning, seasonal transhumance during the spring/summer to in-land pastures and the supplementation of fodder during the winter, which was collected off-site. It also provides evidence suggesting that domestic cattle of that time may have lactated for longer periods than first presumed. The study therefore concludes that the cattle husbandry practices of the Norse occupants centred on the environment in order to maximise yield from their herd.
The 8th PZAF (Postgraduate Zooarchaeology Forum) in Yerevan, 2019
Since the 1960’s, zooarchaeologists have formulated a variety of methodologies in an attempt to o... more Since the 1960’s, zooarchaeologists have formulated a variety of methodologies in an attempt to objectively and accurately quantify faunal assemblages into datasets. These constructed frameworks have been used to gain an overview of differing trends within faunal data, most commonly; counts of species, bone elements and fragments. The application and development of quantification methodologies have been undoubtedly integral to the ever-advancing field of zooarchaeology; revealing patterns and biases which would previously unseen in datasets. However, where the use of quantification falls short is the appeared lack of standardisation. From the 1980’s, zooarchaeologist began to create alternatives to previously constructed techniques in attempt to formulate the most accurate methodology. Resultingly, many alternate methods have been created to answer the same question, and differing units and institutions will often employ the one which they view as the most accurate. This lack of standardisation has meant that cross-analysis between site-based datasets is often inaccurate and thus unemployable. This paper compares the most common quantification methodologies revealing that, although the use of many frameworks has significantly impacted our understanding of individual faunal dataset, the lack of standardisation has arguably impeded the analysis and creation of intra-site datasets.
United Kingdom Archaeological Sciences Conference (UKAS) 2019 in Manchester, 2019
Since the 1960’s, zooarchaeologists have formulated a variety of methodologies in an attempt to ... more Since the 1960’s, zooarchaeologists have formulated a variety of methodologies in an attempt to objectively and accurately quantify faunal assemblages into datasets. These constructed frameworks have been used to gain an overview of differing trends within faunal data, most commonly; counts of species, bone elements and fragments. The application and development of quantification methodologies have been undoubtedly integral to the ever-advancing field of zooarchaeology; revealing patterns and biases which would previously unseen in datasets. However, where the use of quantification falls short is the appeared lack of standardisation. From the 1980’s, zooarchaeologist began to create alternatives to previously constructed techniques in attempt to formulate the most accurate methodology. Resultingly, many alternate methods have been created to answer the same question, and differing units and institutions will often employ the one which they view as the most accurate. This lack of standardisation has meant that cross-analysis between site-based datasets is often inaccurate and thus unemployable. This paper compares the most common quantification methodologies revealing that, although the use of many frameworks has significantly impacted our understanding of individual faunal dataset, the lack of standardisation has arguably impeded the analysis and creation of intra-site datasets.
The 7th PZAF (Postgraduate Zooarchaeology Forum) in Palermo, 2018
The red fox is the most common wild carnivore in the northern hemisphere and its adaptable, scave... more The red fox is the most common wild carnivore in the northern hemisphere and its adaptable, scavenging nature has led to the existence of a human-fox relationship since prehistoric times. This paper examines the potential roles of the red fox in prehistoric societies, particularly Çatalhöyük, Central Anatolia. The study aims to identify and comprehend these roles and to investigate whether modern preconceptions could influence archaeological research. Faunal data sets from Çatalhöyük were utilised to support the conclusions as well as evidence from material culture and publications on the subject of the roles of animals within past and present societies. Analysis of the data and the supporting evidence resulted in the conclusion that the red fox played multiple roles at Çatalhöyük and within prehistoric societies. It was found that these roles could be divided into three categories: resource, symbol and companion. Çatalhöyük provided evidence for resource and symbolic roles but not companionship. It was concluded that a lack of evidence did not disprove the existence of a companionship relationship between foxes and humans. Additionally, it was found that the multiple roles held by the red fox at Çatalhöyük and in other prehistoric societies did not correspond with the fox’s lack of utilisation in modern ones. The theory that modern preconceptions regarding the red fox’s lack of value to humans could impact on archaeological research may be supported by the dearth of archaeological studies relating to the animal and the fact that the red fox is often overlooked or disregarded.