On the Causes of Perforations in Archaeological Domestic Cattle Skulls

Abstract

We have undertaken a preliminary survey of the occurrence of cranial perforations which have been noted on the posterior portion of archaeological cattle skulls. The interest arose from the authors independent encounter with unusually high frequencies of this condition in assemblages from Bruges and Lincoln and the subsequent search for an explanation. A rapid literature survey and direct contact with other colleagues in the field showed that the phenomenon is widespread in European material and represented throughout a range of time periods and geographical locations. It is also clear that a variety of diverse but untested theories have been proposed by various workers in an attempt to explain the condition. A number of possible aetiological factors are discussed in an attempt to establish the most likely explanations. On the basis of this brief survey, which includes the evaluation of additional archaeological evidence from some of the assemblages, it would appear that parasites, tumours and infection can be ruled out as causal factors. Although not clearly established, it is suggested that a congenital or yoking pressure origin is more likely. If this is the case, then the presence of cranial perforations in domestic cattle may provide important information regarding the temporal and spatial spread of a specific congenital condition or yoking practice. Only a wider survey of both archaeological and modern comparative material (including other bovid species) will enable a full appraisal of the yoking versus congenital hypothesis.

Not just cattle: Cranial perforations revisited

“…In such instances, phenotypic expression of the recessive genes responsible for the condition may occur with greater frequency in homozygous individuals (which would appear within the herd more frequently). The fact that the anomaly appears to cluster in certain geographic regions and periods of time (see Brothwell et al ., 1996: p. 485) lends significant support to this idea.…”

Paleoradiology

“…For instance, there are quite a number of cases of ancient bovid skulls displaying on the external surface of the occipital bone (at the posterior nuchal aspect) one, or often more than one, rounded perforation (Brothwell et al 1996), but as yet only preliminary radiographic studies have been undertaken ( Fig. In such instances, it is especially important to have x-rays available for discussion and tentative diagnosis.…”

Domestic Cattle ( Bos taurus ) Late Neolithic Burial at Krzczonowice, the Greater Trochanter of Femur Lesion

“…We can thus assume that, in general, the buried animal was in good condition. The archaeozoological materials have often shown evidence of changes in bone tissue as a result of cattle rearing, their use as draught animals, or other environmental factors (Brothwell et al 1996;Bartosiewicz et al 1997;Bartosiewicz and Gal 2013;Onar et al 2015Onar et al , 2022. The majority of bone pathologies identified in cattle occur in the nuchal region of the skull (protuberantia intercornualis) and in the distal part of the thoracic and pelvic limb skeleton (metapodium and autopodium).…”

“…The archaeozoological materials have often shown evidence of changes in bone tissue as a result of cattle rearing, their use as draught animals, or other environmental factors (Brothwell et al. 1996; Bartosiewicz et al. 1997; Bartosiewicz and Gal 2013; Onar et al.…”