A ground-breaking aspect of FoodCult will be cross-referencing of archaeological and historical data with regards to the contribution of animals to diet.
Average relative values for early modern Irish livestock are not yet available and this data is crucial to unlocking consumption data in the household accounts.
Dr Fiona Beglane CERIS IT Sligo will develop and test an appropriate methodology to establish average ‘meat weights’ for early modern Ireland. Zooarchaeological analysis will also incorporate estimates of dairy production; in addition to size of animals at slaughter. Together this data will facilitate a more detailed and accurate analysis of the macro-nutrients and calories available from meat at different social levels, in varying seasons and regions in Ireland. It will also shed light on agricultural development.
Dr Fiona Beglane examines a badger skull on site.
Animal bone drying during post-excavation analysis.
Early modern butchery of a cattle scapula, Wexford Town. Excavated by VJ Keeley Ltd.
Archaeological animal bones. Excavated by CRDS Ltd.
