Hello everyone,
I am working on a site from Downham Matket, Norfolk (England) and there
is an Ichthyosaur vertebrae in one of a group of Middle Saxon pit fills.
It appears to be more worn on in the centre of one side of the vertebrae
body. It was found in with butchered cattle, equid, sheep/goat, pig and
a chopped humerus from a White-Tailed eagle (very exciting...well, for
Norfolk anyway!).
The site is dominated by remains of cattle and equids, most of which has
been dumped into pit fills. Heads of cattle and equids (and one canid
skull) appear to have been 'placed' on top of the other bone - one skull
in each pit or ditch. We are interpretting this as a 'ritual' site and
wonder if the ichthyosaur vertebrae could have been used as a
mixing/grinding dish (resulting in more wear on one side).
Any ideas? Does anyone know of dinosaur bones being found (used) in
archaeological deposits?
Any help appreciated!
Julie
--
Julie Curl
Finds Researcher/Faunal Remains Specialist
Norfolk Archaeological Unit
13-15 Cathedral Street
Norwich
NR1 1LU
Tel: 01603 - 878206
Mobile: 07870 818752
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