More than food; evidence for different breeds and cockfighting in Gallus gallus bones from Medieval and Post-Medieval Norway
2020
Walker, Samuel J. | Meijer, Hanneke J.M.
Domestic fowl (Gallus gallus var. domesticus) can now be found in every continent across the globe (except Antarctica), and have become a dominant part of our diets. For Scandinavia, there is lack of knowledge regarding the timing of arrival and subsequent spread of chickens throughout the region. Domestic fowl were abundant throughout Norway by the mid-late Medieval period. Historical sources shed little light on the role of chickens in past Norwegian societies. Here we describe chicken remains from Medieval and Post-Medieval assemblages in Norway and identify osteological features and patterns that signal different roles for chickens in the past. Our data show that by the Medieval period there were at least two different-size breeds present, including a crested ornamental breed. In addition, we see clear evidence for the removal of spurs for the practice of cockfighting. Our evidence suggests a more complex role for domestic fowl than just a food source. The presence of multiple breeds and the evidence for cockfighting can be linked to the trade networks coming into Bergen and Oslo at this time, and highlight the socio-cultural aspects of chicken husbandry.
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