Indicios de pastoreo extensivo en el noroeste peninsular durante el dominio suevo

Abstract

The soil conditions in Galicia (NW of Spain), due to the predominant acid substrate, makes difficult the conservation of archaeozoological remains associated with human settlements. In these cases, the search for alternative areas, such as caves and natural traps in pasturelands, can provide information on the animal resources available. We present here a study about domestic cattle remains found in Cova da Tara or Tara da Triega (Serra do Courel, Lugo), with an age of about 1500 years BP. The bone remains were laid at the time of the Swabian domination of peninsular northwest. These animals would come alive to the cave, from which it follows that roamed freely around, indicating an extensive livestock management. The tooth wear and the study of stable isotopes in bone collagen reflect a little abrasive diet, probably shrub, matching the vegetation of mountain areas. The average height calculated for these animals is small, similar to that described for pre-Roman cattle.