Foreword

Abstract

In this paper, we contextualise the volume: 'Animals, and their bones, in the 'modern' world' by briefly reviewing the history of modern-era zooarchaeology and discussing research themes which have shaped previous studies. We also call attention to exciting avenues for future research and highlight the value of zooarchaeology in the 'modern' period, especially with regard to interdisciplinarity, multi-vocality and the influence of changing theoretical perspectives. RÉSUMÉAnimaux et leurs ossements, à l'ère « moderne » : une zooarchéologie multi scalaire. Dans cet article, nous offrons un contexte au volume « Animaux et leurs ossements, à l'ère moderne (AD1750-1900) » en parcourant l'histoire de la zooarchéologie moderne et en discutant les thèmes de recherche précédents qui ont fondé les études antérieures. Nous attirons également l'attention sur les passionnants chemins possibles pour de futures recherches et mettons en lumière la valeur de l'archéozoologie de l'époque moderne, particulièrement en regard avec l'interdisciplinarité et l'influence des évolutions des perspectives théoriques. MOTS CLÉSArchéozoologie, archéologie postmédiévale, archéologie historique, époque moderne, attitudes face à l'archéozoologie. KEY WORDS Zooarchaeology post-medieval archaeology, historical archaeology, modern era attitudes to zooarchaeology.

An Osteobiography of a 19th‐Century Dog from Toronto, Canada

“…Traditionally, historical period zooarchaeological research has focussed on themes of diet and economy; however, recent trends in zooarchaeological theory and practice, influenced by ideas emanating through an engagement with the field of animal studies, are demanding alternative perspectives (Thomas & Fothergill, 2014). The significance of animal agency and the complexity of human-animal relationships are being recognized increasingly (Russell, 2012;Overton & Hamilakis, 2013;Sykes, 2014).…”

“…A dog burial recovered from a mid-19 th -century, Euro-Canadian homelot in Toronto, Ontario, provided an ideal opportunity to employ an osteobiographical approach and investigate human-dog relationships. The temporal context is important here because the 19 th century marked a period of transformation in human-animal relationships (Ritvo, 1994;Thomas, 2005;Thomas & Fothergill, 2014). Through the Victorian period in Britain, dogs were regularly considered as part of the domestic realm, forming deep bonds with their owners.…”