Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/B504506/1
Horse specialisation and pastoralism in the prehistoric Eurasian Steppe.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor AK Outram, University of Exeter, Geography
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor RP Evershed, University of Bristol, Chemistry
- Grant held at:
- University of Exeter, Geography
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Natural Resource Management
- Global Change
- Science Topics:
- Science-Based Archaeology
- Palaeobiology
- Palaeoenvironments
- Abstract:
- The first domestication of horses probably took place in the steppes of Northern Kazakhstan during the Eneolithic. The domestication of the horse has been linked to the spread of Indo-European languages and significant social changes brought about by new transportation and warfare capabilities. Thus, the Eneolithic 'Botai Culture' has received much attention. However, the economic context of the Botai culture has been less well studied and this rather poor understanding of the palaeoeconomic sequence hinders the full understanding of the origins of domestication in this region. This project proposes to redress this imbalance. Our principal aim is to produce a rigorous picture of economic change in the region from pre-Botai, hunting and gathering communities of the Neolithic through to the pastoral herders of the post-Botai Bronze Age. We will address several key questions. - What was the precise nature of the pre-Botai economy? - When were horses first milked (a possible smoking gun for horse domestication)? - Were they being milked before the arrival of cattle, or was this an idea introduced with the new domesticates from the Near East? - After the introduction of cattle, were horses still a staple food source or did their significance and use change? Our approach will combine the study of archaeological animal bone remains with the analysis of residues for ancient pottery. Through the study of faunal remains, one can establish information regarding the exploitation of animals, including species ratios, herd structures and butchery patterns. Biomolecular and stable isotope studies on lipid residues in pottery can tell us about the origin of foodstuffs (species of animal) and about the presence or absence of dairying. The combination of these two approaches provides a integrated understanding of animal exploitation and consumption patterns. The study of the faunal remains will be based at the School of Geography, Archaeology and Earth Resources at University of Exeter and will be supervised by Dr Outram. The analysis of pottery residues will be undertaken at the School of Chemistry at the University of Bristol under the supervision of Prof Evershed. The project will involve some analysis and sampling in the field. This will involve visits to Astana, Karaganda, Lisakovsk and Kustanai in Northern Kazakhstan and Surgut in Southern Siberia. The project will last three years. A research assistant and a PhD student will work alongside the PI and co-investigator during this time. A research technician will work on the project for 12 months part time in year 2 to assist with routine aspects of sample processing. The total cost of the project is #165,796 excluding the tied PhD studentship.
- Period of Award:
- 1 Mar 2005 - 31 Jul 2008
- Value:
- £149,120 Lead Split Award
Authorised funds only
- NERC Reference:
- NE/B504506/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £149,120
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| £85,548 | £12,635 | £11,585 | £39,352 |
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