Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (19.2007(2010))

BANGANARTI

SUDAN

RESULTS

In view of the very limited size of the faunal
sample from the Lower Church and West
Building, this material was largely
eliminated from a comprehensive analysis of
the assemblage. Thus, the following
discussion of results and conclusions are
based mainly on the animal bones found in
the exploration of the curtain wall and the
domestic structures standing against the
eastern stretch of the defenses.
SPECIES DISTRIBUTION
Mammals (Mammalia) were the predo-
minant species in the two contexts
connected with the curtain wall [cf. Table 1].
Moreover, cattle (Bosprimigenius f. domestica)
prevailed in the material from the curtain
wall, as well as from the domestic buildings:
51 % from the curtain wall context and 60%,
58% and 42.7% respectively from the three
arbitrary layers (I, II, III) identified in the
domestic building by the east wall.
Second in number were sheep (Ovis
orientals f. domestica) and goat (Capra
aegagrus f. domestica), considered as one
group: 34% from the curtain wall context
and respectively 28.6%, 30% and 31.7% for
the three arbitrary layers of the test trench.
Third in line in terms of number was pig
(Sus strofa f. domestica)·. 8% in the curtain
wall contexts, and 10%, 13% and 25% for
the three test-trench layers respectively. The
curtain-wall assemblage also contained
remains of dog (Canis lupus f. domestica) 1%,
camel (Camelus dromedarius f. domestica)
3%, and donkey or horse 2% [cf. Table 1].
ANATOMICAL DISTRIBUTION
The anatomical distribution of the three
most numerously represented species
pointed to their post-consumptional
character. In the material from the test

trench, the largest quantity of remains came
from the proximal part of the ventral limbs
which are the meatiest parts of the carcass.
Digits of all three consumptional species
were recorded, indicating that the entire
quartering process took place on the spot.
Moreover, the balance between the remains
of the dorsal and ventral limbs constitutes
proof that parts of the carcasses, whether of
cattle or the small ruminants, were not
moved around.
The situation was different with regard
to the material from the curtain wall where
no digits of the small ruminants or pigs were
found. There was also no balance between
the dorsal and ventral limbs of cattle and the
small ruminants, indicating that parts of the
carcasses were brought here, especially the
meatiest ones.
AGE AND SEX
In both curtain-wall contexts (excluding the
Lower Church and West Building, as said
above), the biggest number of morpholo-
gically immature individuals represented
cattle: 3.3% for the material from the test
trench and 8% for the curtain wall. Pig was
second in abundance, respectively 7.8% for
the test trench and 4.3% for the curtain
wall. Immature ovicaprids were represented
the least abundantly, that is, 2.6% in the test
trench and none in the curtain wall context.
Very young individuals were not observed
anywhere, the remains belonging rather to
immature animals which had attained a size
corresponding to maturity.
Sex could be determined only for some of
the pig remains. One bone of a male pig and
three teeth of a female pig were recorded in
the animal bone assemblage from the test
trench. One tooth of a male pig was noted in
material from the curtain wall.

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Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean 19, Reports 2007