“Tell Mozan/Urkesh: Archeozoologia della Struttura Sotterranea in A12,”
Studi Micenei ed Egeo-Anatolici 47, pp. 67-80.
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An overview on faunal osteological remains from Tell Mozan/Urkesh (Area A12, the ābi) is offered in this paper: around 1037 samples have been analysed, belonging to mammals, birds and rodent.
In general, we can reconstruct that sheep were more consumed than goats and that also wild animal (such as the onager) were present on the site.
A NMI ('minimal number of individuals') ratio was calculated, the results being displayed in tables 2-3, on p. 70. Traces of butchering and the presence of some specific bones of the animal could hint to a deliberate selection of some anatomical parts for ritual purposes (considering the peculiar emplacement of the items).
Some animals were bred for practical goals (to obtain meat, milk, wool or for working force) or for specific intents (such as the dogs, probably used in sacrifices).
The osteometrical study of the bones can also provide us with information about the age of death and the actual size of the various animals (for specific details, see tables on pp. 77-79).
[M. De Pietri – November 2019]