An isotopic perspective on equid selection in cult at Tell eṣ-Ṣâfi/Gath, Israel.
Authors: Arnold Elizabeth R, Greenfield Haskel J, Hartman Gideon, Greenfield Tina L, Albaz Shira, Boaretto Elisabetta, Regev Johanna, Maeir Aren M
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary Archaeological excavations at Tell eṣ-ṣâfi/Gath in Israel have revealed a striking example of selective equid use in Early Bronze Age ritual practices (c. 2900–2550 BCE): four complete skeletons of young female donkeys were deliberately interred beneath house floors in a domestic neighbourhood, with multi-isotope analysis of tooth enamel (carbon, oxygen and strontium ratios) proving each animal was born and raised in Egypt before being transported to the site. The research team's isotopic methodology clearly distinguished these imported specimens from a locally-sourced donkey mandible and remains of sheep and goats that bore evidence of being used for food, establishing that only the Egyptian-origin animals received ritual burial treatment. This selective curation of specifically young female donkeys—animals of demonstrated high value—suggests that foundation deposits held particular cultural or spiritual significance during domestic construction at this site, rather than representing opportunistic sacrifice of locally available stock. For equine professionals, this work demonstrates how modern analytical techniques can reveal animal movement and trade networks across ancient populations, whilst highlighting that historical and archaeological contexts often reveal non-subsistence uses of equids that reflect complex social hierarchies and ritual practices distinct from everyday livestock management.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Isotopic analysis of teeth can reliably determine geographic origin of ancient equids and distinguish between imported and locally-raised animals
- •Archaeological evidence demonstrates long-distance trade in donkeys during Early Bronze Age, with young females being selectively valued for ritual purposes
- •Differential treatment of imported versus local donkeys reflects their distinct roles: imported animals for ritual/symbolic purposes versus local animals for subsistence
Key Findings
- •Four complete young female donkey skeletons from Early Bronze Age III (c. 2900-2600/2550 BCE) were imported from Egypt and buried as foundation deposits beneath house floors
- •Multi-isotope analysis (carbon, oxygen, strontium) of tooth enamel definitively identified Egyptian origin of the ritually buried donkeys
- •A fifth donkey mandible showed local origin, indicating both imported and locally-raised donkeys were present at the site
- •Ritual burial of specifically young imported jennies suggests these animals held particular cultural or economic significance in domestic construction practices