Dear Zooarch,
I am researching a book on the non-economic uses of animals - a topic
fabulously broad and which will not doubt mean me harassing a number of you for
case studies.
I am interested in the entire range of human-animal interactions which includes
both working animals, symbolic animals and pets etc.
I am also considering the more intimate side of the human animal relationship,
so I am interested in any comments or examples of the archaeology of zoophilia.
Zoophilia is a paraphilia, defined as an affinity or sexual attraction by a
human to non-human animals.
There are many biblical and classical references to the human/animal
relationship, many associations between humans and gods in animal forms, and a
body of data from sexual surveys e.g. Kinsey. However does anyone have any
other information/comments they could share, and has anyone seen bestiality
offered as an interpretation for any zooarchaeological deposits? Any references
to burials of 'guilty' animals etc.
Thanks for any help.
Jacqui
|