Zwierzęta w gospodarce mieszkańców wczesnośredniowiecznego grodu
Authors: Gręzak Anna , Iwaszczuk Urszula 
Published: December 2022

The majority of the analysed animal bone came from assemblages found at the stronghold. They were recovered from six dwellings, from defensive structures and from pits and contexts not related to features. The sparse osteological material collected from the settlement was discovered in pit fills and cultural layers beyond the stronghold’s defences, but within their immediate vicinity. The animal bone was analysed with the aim of identifying taxa and skeletal elements and, where possible, determining the age and sex of individuals as well as assessing their morphology. Pathological changes and evidence of human processing were also recorded. The species composition of the animal bone remains shows that the meat consumed at this site was obtained from various sources, although the mainstay was animal husbandry. Six species of animals were reared for consumption: pig, cattle, sheep, goat, horse and chicken, but their roles in providing protein and fats were varied. The two most important species were pig and cattle. Comparing the distribution of domestic mammals recovered from a range of contexts at the stronghold reveals certain differences. These are largely attributable to the diverse nature of the deposits, but may also point to variation in the diets of individual households, particularly in terms of the percentages of beef and pork consumed. Analysis of the anatomical distribution of domestic animals indicates that they were slaughtered locally. Differences were observed in the percentages of particular carcass parts of species represented in assorted deposits and features. It is possible that the individual assemblages consist of waste produced during various phases of carcass processing. Maximum use was made of cattle, pig, sheep and goat carcasses. Their better parts were divided into small pieces, as suggested by the significant fragmentation of pelvic bones and scapulae and by the butchery marks on ribs as well as thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. The less prized parts of the carcass were also utilised, as evidenced by butchery and filleting marks noted on metatarsals, metacarpals and mandibles. This shows that thorough use was made of heads and feet. Cut marks on horse bones indicate that carcasses of this species were also butchered and processed, and at least occasionally consumed. Age estimates for pigs point to a certain, possibly seasonal, rhythm to the slaughter and rearing of these animals for meat and fat. In contrast, analysis of age patterns among cattle, sheep and goat reveal that they were raised in large measure for their value as live animals, hence (depending on the species) for their milk, manure, wool and hair, or in the case of cattle for their draught power, as confirmed by pathological changes noted on their bones. Pigs bred at the settlement site were medium and tall individuals, some withers heights (over 81 cm) suggesting that they may have included a cross between domestic and free-roaming animals. Cattle were of the short-horned variety, with a withers height of 95–116 cm, and largely of moderately robust build. Goats were represented by small individuals (55–61 cm) of delicate and moderately robust build, whilst the range of withers heights for sheep (58–77 cm) points to the rearing of both small and large varieties, the latter having not previously been noted in the few early medieval animal bone assemblages from the onetime territories of Prussia. Withers height estimates for three horses came to 121 cm, 134 cm and 141 cm. Hunting was another means of acquiring meat as well as other raw materials. The list of wild mammal and bird species identified among the animal bone remains is fairly long and features species that were of various economic significance. Game mammals provided meat and fats, but also leather, fur, hair, bone and antler. Red and roe deer were the most commonly hunted species, and whole carcasses were brought back to the settlement. It is worth noting the presence, albeit modest, of remains from fur-bearing species in this skeletal material. Marks indicative of skinning appear on some of the bones, suggesting that these animals were hunted for their pelts. Fish also featured on the menu for the inhabitants of Pasym. The species they ate were mostly ones that were popular throughout Poland. These included various cyprinids, such as roach, bream, tench and ide as well as several less frequently consumed species of this family. They also often dined on pike, while perch was a slightly less popular choice, with zander, catfish and eels being eaten only sporadically. Most of the fish they caught were medium-sized specimens of 51–60 cm, the only exceptions being evidenced by a few pike and catfish bones which show that large specimens were also landed, measuring up to 100 cm long in the case of pike, and as much as 171–180 cm in the case of catfish. Fish carcasses were processed prior to consumption, with pike remains showing evidence of the head having been removed from the rest of the body. The fish flesh was cut into portions and filleted, as evinced by cut marks on the vertebrae of catfish and cyprinids. Waste from the preparation of meals was disposed of in several ways: it was burned or discarded, sometimes in places where carnivores could feed on it. However, the prime dumping site was ditch 1, where the greatest quantity of post-consumption fish remains were found, mainly represented by bones of the body. The majority of the fish consumed at Pasym were caught locally, most probably in the neighbouring lake. However, two cowrie shells (Monetaria moneta) found during the excavation of ditch 1 were doubtless gifts or traded goods.