Introduction: Markers of Reindeer Husbandry Methodological Seminar David G. Anderson Univ. of Aberdeen NordForsk Researcher Network “Rangifer Domus” site.uit.no/rangiferdomus
Feb 23, 2016
Introduction: Markers of Reindeer Husbandry
Methodological SeminarDavid G. Anderson Univ. of Aberdeen
NordForsk Researcher Network “Rangifer Domus” site.uit.no/rangiferdomus
2
Nordforsk Researcher Network To develop new
methods To broaden
collaboration across the Nordic world and internationally
To assist in gathering samples – sharing laboratory facilities
Opening seminar, Tromsø Museum, Nov 2011
3
Scandinavian and Russian conversations on pollen analysis Pollen analysis as an aid to geological
research Pollen analysis describing climate change Trees – Grasses – Cereals – Plants &
Animals Reindeer Husbandry in the past
Milking corrals Habitation sites
Reindeer Husbandry Today Milking corrals Habitation sites Ust’-Nechera, Bodaibo
district
4
Methods and Problems Sampling
Peat myres vs humified peat and calcified soils Unbroken columns vs. samples from selected
strata Small slivers of soil (1 cc) vs large blocks
5
Methods and Problems Descriptions and Representations
Soil categories: colour and texture vs Troels-Smith
Tilia
Modern plant communities vs palynological communities
Novyi Kilgol, S-B district
6
Methods and Problems New Themes
Landscape ethnoecology
7
Methods and Problems New Themes
Fungal spore analysis
4
8
12
16
20
24
28
32
36
40
44
48
52
Depth
below su
rface
(cm)
(Bulk) 7026 ± 44
(Bulk) 2890 ± 85
(Macro) Modern(Macro) 1085 ± 30
(Bulk) 669 ± 30
(Macro) 191 ± 30
14 C yr B
P
% TLP
Athyrium
Botryc
hium
50 100 150
Lyco
podiu
m
20 40 60 80
Polypod
iacea
e
Selagin
ella
20 40 60 80
Sphag
num
Gelasin
aspo
ra-ty
pe (HdV
-1/2)
Chaetom
ium-ty
pe (H
dV-7
A)
20
Sordari
a-typ
e (HdV-5
5A)
Sporo
rmiel
la-typ
e (HdV-1
13)
Arnium
-type
(HdV-2
61)
Podos
pora
-type (
HdV-368
)
20
Bysso
theciu
m alpe
stris
104 179
137 371 482699 1062 10541020 1039 10531003 1034 1046998 1042 10411060 1034 10361022 1039 10131038 1007 10481076 1003 10071012 1015 10321030 992 10041026 1027 1044828 1029 10001000 998 10121003 1012 781873 1030 10331003 833 911720 879 1004694686
1010288140177166520483870
SUM TLP
50000 100000grains cm -3
Pollen
conc
entrati
on
LPAZ
TOL-1a
TOL-1b
TOL-2a
TOL-2b
TOL-2c
TOL-2d
TOL-2e
TOL-3
FUNGICRYPTOGAMS
2 4 6 8 10
Total sum of squares
CONISSLitho
logy
8
9
Preface: Evocative Landscapes
10
Лайда - Laida
11
TheQuestion of Agency in Space
Ian Hodder - The Domestication of Europe
A symbolic opposition of Domus and Agrios Domus as
Centre
Agrios as Centre
Agrios as periphery
Domus as periphery
Fig 4.6 The shift in the relative importance of the domus and agrios through time. p. 96
12
Domus as viewed by both Homo Sapiens and Rangifer
Botanical Conversations: What plants speak to us of.
Laboratory conversations: Searching for and representing ‘hard’ data that gives voice to landscape forms
Ethnographic Conversations: Tracking the Yearly Round of People, Moose, and Reindeer
Topogenesis: the mutual interest of rangifer and other species in similar places
13
The ‘paradox’ of swampy dry places
14
Botanical Conversations
15
4
8
12
16
20
24
28
32
36
40
44
48
52
Depth be
low su
rface
(cm)
(Bulk) 7026 ± 44
(Bulk) 2890 ± 85
(Macro) Modern(Macro) 1085 ± 30
(Bulk) 669 ± 30
(Macro) 191 ± 30
14 C yr B
P
20 40 60 80 100
% TLP
TREES
SHRUBS
HEATHS
HERBS
Abies s
ibiric
a
Larix
20
Picea o
bova
ta
20 40 60
Pinus s
ibirica
20 40
Pinus s
ylves
tris
20 40
Betula se
ct Nan
ae
20
Duschek
ia
Pinus p
umila
Artemisi
a
Astera
ceae
Chenop
odiac
eae
Cichoria
ceae
Cyperac
eae
20 40
Ericale
s
Fabac
eae
Poace
ae
Polygo
num am
phibi
um
20
Polygo
num av
icular
e-typ
e
Ranunc
ulace
ae
Rosac
eae
LPAZ
TOL-1a
TOL-2a
TOL-2b
TOL-2c
TOL-2d
TOL-2e
TOL-3
TOL-1b
HEATHS & HERBSSHRUBSTREES
Litho
logy
Silt Sand Humified organics Diatom and clay-rich horizon Burnt horizon
Laboratory Conversations
Tilia chart by Edward Schofield, Univ of Aberdeen
‘Paradoxical’ rises in both dry and damp tolerant plants – a possible ecological marker of reindeer grazing
16
Climate Agency: The ‘Natural’ Alternation of Dark and Damp with Dry
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
0 100
D C / L C
0
5
1 0
1 5
2 02 53 0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
-37 -36 -35 -34 -33
N G R IP
-10 -9 -8 -7 -6
D on g gesta lag m ite
3 54 0
5 0
O Z Y -1
O Z Y -2
O Z Y -3
D epth
, cm
A g e, y
r BP
L P Z
Analysis by Elena Bezrukova
17
Ethnographic Conversations: The Yearly Round • Winter in the uplands
– shallow snow• Early spring migration
to grass meadows• Summer smoke fires
(smudges) and shade• Spring and autumn
coralling
•A mixed economy- porterage, moose hunting, milking, forestry
18
Landscape Ethnoecology• Local landscape terminology
often does not easily translate into botanical categories.
• Often these terms mix qualities of agency, biophysical qualities, function, and climate.
• Examples: Moss as a type of earth; ‘Good’ places
• Ethnoecologies help to identify problems in how formal science classifies the world
19
Topogenesis
Aian - Perevoz
Kever – Bazarnaia reka
Poliana – Ostrov – Lake Tolondo
20
Conclusions Human-Rangifer relationships are an
‘emplaced’ relationship. This creates complex interstitial
categories which complicate geophysical analysis or often appear as ‘static’ or ‘error’.
In adjudicating the debate between climate created space, and anthropogenesis, it seems that both work together to create ‘good’ places
Rangifer are neither wild nor tame. Homo Sapiens is part of the Rangifer Domus
21
With thanks to:Ed Schofield, University of Aberdeen
Elena Bezrukova, СО РАНNatal’ia Kulagina, СО РАНMika Lavento, University of HelsinkiPeter Jordan, University of Aberdeen
The Research Council of NorwayThe National Science Foundation, USAThe Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of CanadaNordForsk
22
The North Baikal Region
4 Sites: Ozernyi, Ust’-Nichera, Kilgoi, Lake Tolondo
• strong continental climate mediated by Lake Baikal• relatively late end to glaciation• high tundra plateaus interspersed with steppe-like refuges•Centrally involved in the fur trade from 18th century and gold mining from the mid-19th century
23
North Baikal Evenki-Iakuts
24
Zone 1:• Vasinium uliginosum• Festuca ovina• Poa pratanesis• Chamaenerion angustifolium
• Erigeron acris• Tanasetum vulgare
Phyto-botanical zones
Ozernyi
25
Zone 2:• Carex cespitosa• Comarum palustre• Rubus arcticus• Geranium sp.• Poa pratanesis• Trolliuis kytmanovii• Swertia obtusa
Phyto-botanical zones
Ozernyi
26
Zone 3:• Vassinium uliginosum
• Vassinium vitis-idea• Lonicera pallisi• Festuca rubra• Chameenerion angustifolium
• Calamagrostis epigeois
Phyto-botanical zones
Novyi Kilgol
27
Conclusions - There is no single marker of either human habitation or reindeer trampling. - However, the concept of a sinantropic (companion) plant community captures the visual feel of a reindeer herding area- This concept overlaps with ethnoecological terminology
Phyto-botanical zones
28
Spore and Pollen Analysis Attempt to trace plant-family communities
into the past An attempt to identify bio-indicators of
reindeer husbandry Esp. plant communities distinguished by orders Coprophilious fungus
High resolution 0.5cm resolution (different than standard practice in Russian archaeology)
Use of Lycopodium markers to measure pollen accumulation rates
29
Lake Tolondo, Zhuia river
30
4
8
12
16
20
24
28
32
36
40
44
48
52
Depth be
low su
rface
(cm)
(Bulk) 7026 ± 44
(Bulk) 2890 ± 85
(Macro) Modern(Macro) 1085 ± 30
(Bulk) 669 ± 30
(Macro) 191 ± 30
14 C yr B
P
20 40 60 80 100
% TLP
TREES
SHRUBS
HEATHS
HERBS
Abies s
ibiric
a
Larix
20
Picea o
bova
ta
20 40 60
Pinus s
ibirica
20 40
Pinus s
ylves
tris
20 40
Betula se
ct Nan
ae
20
Duschek
ia
Pinus p
umila
Artemisi
a
Astera
ceae
Chenop
odiac
eae
Cichoria
ceae
Cyperac
eae
20 40
Ericale
s
Fabac
eae
Poace
ae
Polygo
num am
phibi
um
20
Polygo
num av
icular
e-typ
e
Ranunc
ulace
ae
Rosac
eae
LPAZ
TOL-1a
TOL-2a
TOL-2b
TOL-2c
TOL-2d
TOL-2e
TOL-3
TOL-1b
HEATHS & HERBSSHRUBSTREES
Litho
logy
Silt Sand Humified organics Diatom and clay-rich horizon Burnt horizon
Lake Tolondo Zhuia River
Tilia chart by Edward Schofield, Univ of Aberdeen
31
4
8
12
16
20
24
28
32
36
40
44
48
52
Depth be
low su
rface
(cm)
(Bulk) 7026 ± 44
(Bulk) 2890 ± 85
(Macro) Modern(Macro) 1085 ± 30
(Bulk) 669 ± 30
(Macro) 191 ± 30
14 C yr B
P
20 40 60 80 100
% TLP
TREES
SHRUBS
HEATHS
HERBS
Abies s
ibiric
a
Larix
20
Picea o
bova
ta
20 40 60
Pinus s
ibirica
20 40
Pinus s
ylves
tris
20 40
Betula se
ct Nan
ae
20
Duschek
ia
Pinus p
umila
Artemisi
a
Astera
ceae
Chenop
odiac
eae
Cichoria
ceae
Cyperac
eae
20 40
Ericale
s
Fabac
eae
Poace
ae
Polygo
num am
phibi
um
20
Polygo
num av
icular
e-typ
e
Ranunc
ulace
ae
Rosac
eae
LPAZ
TOL-1a
TOL-2a
TOL-2b
TOL-2c
TOL-2d
TOL-2e
TOL-3
TOL-1b
HEATHS & HERBSSHRUBSTREES
Litho
logy
Silt Sand Humified organics Diatom and clay-rich horizon Burnt horizon
Lake Tolondo Zhuia River
Tilia chart by Edward Schofield, Univ of Aberdeen
A unique interrupted hydrological event, and marked by fire at the top
32
4
8
12
16
20
24
28
32
36
40
44
48
52
Depth be
low su
rface
(cm)
(Bulk) 7026 ± 44
(Bulk) 2890 ± 85
(Macro) Modern(Macro) 1085 ± 30
(Bulk) 669 ± 30
(Macro) 191 ± 30
14 C yr B
P
20 40 60 80 100
% TLP
TREES
SHRUBS
HEATHS
HERBS
Abies s
ibiric
a
Larix
20
Picea o
bova
ta
20 40 60
Pinus s
ibirica
20 40
Pinus s
ylves
tris
20 40
Betula se
ct Nan
ae
20
Duschek
ia
Pinus p
umila
Artemisi
a
Astera
ceae
Chenop
odiac
eae
Cichoria
ceae
Cyperac
eae
20 40
Ericale
s
Fabac
eae
Poace
ae
Polygo
num am
phibi
um
20
Polygo
num av
icular
e-typ
e
Ranunc
ulace
ae
Rosac
eae
LPAZ
TOL-1a
TOL-2a
TOL-2b
TOL-2c
TOL-2d
TOL-2e
TOL-3
TOL-1b
HEATHS & HERBSSHRUBSTREES
Litho
logy
Silt Sand Humified organics Diatom and clay-rich horizon Burnt horizon
Lake Tolondo Zhuia River
A classic rise in meadow species
Tilia chart by Edward Schofield, Univ of Aberdeen
33
4
8
12
16
20
24
28
32
36
40
44
48
52
Depth be
low su
rface
(cm)
(Bulk) 7026 ± 44
(Bulk) 2890 ± 85
(Macro) Modern(Macro) 1085 ± 30
(Bulk) 669 ± 30
(Macro) 191 ± 30
14 C yr B
P
20 40 60 80 100
% TLP
TREES
SHRUBS
HEATHS
HERBS
Abies s
ibiric
a
Larix
20
Picea o
bova
ta
20 40 60
Pinus s
ibirica
20 40
Pinus s
ylves
tris
20 40
Betula se
ct Nan
ae
20
Duschek
ia
Pinus p
umila
Artemisi
a
Astera
ceae
Chenop
odiac
eae
Cichoria
ceae
Cyperac
eae
20 40
Ericale
s
Fabac
eae
Poace
ae
Polygo
num am
phibi
um
20
Polygo
num av
icular
e-typ
e
Ranunc
ulace
ae
Rosac
eae
LPAZ
TOL-1a
TOL-2a
TOL-2b
TOL-2c
TOL-2d
TOL-2e
TOL-3
TOL-1b
HEATHS & HERBSSHRUBSTREES
Litho
logy
Silt Sand Humified organics Diatom and clay-rich horizon Burnt horizon
Lake Tolondo Zhuia River
A classic rise in meadow species, with a decline in light shrubs
Tilia chart by Edward Schofield, Univ of Aberdeen
34
Lake Tolondo Zhuia River
4
8
12
16
20
24
28
32
36
40
44
48
52
Depth belo
w surfa
ce (c
m)
(Bulk) 7026 ± 44
(Bulk) 2890 ± 85
(Macro) Modern(Macro) 1085 ± 30
(Bulk) 669 ± 30
(Macro) 191 ± 30
14 C yr BP
% TLP
Athyrium
Botryc
hium
50 100 150
Lyco
podiu
m
20 40 60 80
Polypod
iacea
e
Selagin
ella
20 40 60 80
Sphag
num
Gelasin
aspo
ra-ty
pe (HdV
-1/2)
Chaetom
ium-ty
pe (H
dV-7
A)
20
Sordari
a-typ
e (HdV-5
5A)
Sporo
rmiel
la-typ
e (HdV-1
13)
Arnium
-type
(HdV-2
61)
Podos
pora-
type (
HdV-368
)
20
Bysso
theciu
m alpe
stris
104 179
137 371 482699 1062 10541020 1039 10531003 1034 1046998 1042 10411060 1034 10361022 1039 10131038 1007 10481076 1003 10071012 1015 10321030 992 10041026 1027 1044828 1029 10001000 998 10121003 1012 781873 1030 10331003 833 911720 879 1004694686
1010288140177166520483870
SUM TLP
50000 100000grains cm -3
Pollen
conc
entrati
on
LPAZ
TOL-1a
TOL-1b
TOL-2a
TOL-2b
TOL-2c
TOL-2d
TOL-2e
TOL-3
FUNGICRYPTOGAMS
2 4 6 8 10
Total sum of squares
CONISSLitho
logy
Sharp rises in coprophillious fungus associated with domestic animals
Tilia chart by Edward Schofield, Univ of Aberdeen
35
Conclusions – Pollen Analysis No clear plant marker of reindeer
husbandry Coprophillious fungus provides the best
indicator Model of plant communities provides a
second marker – esp ‘paradoxical’ co presence of dry and wet types
Possible occupancy dated to 10th Century by plant communities, 17th Century by fungal markers
36
Conclusions – Pollen Analysis Potentially interesting interaction with
climate caused change Reindeer herding camps are placed on special
‘interzonal’ places between alpine tundra and taiga, often on an ancient, gravelly moraine
These interzonal places provide ‘affordances’ for a ‘good place’ to live.
Interzonal places if not used by people with deer might well be colonized by migratory wild deer, who in turn attract people
A ‘hearth’ of domestication?
37
Conclusions – Reflections on Methods and Colloboration Our group also worked in an international
collaborative setting supported by a reindeer herding community.
The project served as meeting point of different methods in archaeology, ethnography and palynology, enskilling the practitioners Emphasis on fine resolution records Attention directed to new plant and pollen
types Increased attention to vernacular models of
landscape
38
Conclusions – Reflections on Methods and Colloboration However, we encountered a severe
problem with permafrost requiring the use of ‘dried’ myres – which produces patchy or noisy results.
We continue to debate with colleagues about the impact of large scale climate change on the production of these meadows which afford a place for life.
39
40
A Model1) A sudden drying of
a glacial moraine after a significant hydrological event
2) Meadow grasses exploited by migratory wild reindeer, spring and autumn
3) Domestic reindeer kept on the same meadows4) In the Russian imperial and early Soviet period, new forms of
agriculture including garden plots, haying, pasturing of horses with reindeer5) In the middle Soviet period, intensive haying and seeding of cereals6) Extensive industrial impacts, burning, in the late Soviet period7) A period of decline in the post-Soviet period
41
Phosphate Activity Areas
Chart and analysis by Mika Lavento
42
Lake Tolondo Zhuia River
4
8
12
16
20
24
28
32
36
40
44
48
52
Depth belo
w surfa
ce (c
m)
(Bulk) 7026 ± 44
(Bulk) 2890 ± 85
(Macro) Modern(Macro) 1085 ± 30
(Bulk) 669 ± 30
(Macro) 191 ± 30
14 C yr BP
% TLP
Athyrium
Botryc
hium
50 100 150
Lyco
podiu
m
20 40 60 80
Polypod
iacea
e
Selagin
ella
20 40 60 80
Sphag
num
Gelasin
aspo
ra-ty
pe (HdV
-1/2)
Chaetom
ium-ty
pe (H
dV-7
A)
20
Sordari
a-typ
e (HdV-5
5A)
Sporo
rmiel
la-typ
e (HdV-1
13)
Arnium
-type
(HdV-2
61)
Podos
pora-
type (
HdV-368
)
20
Bysso
theciu
m alpe
stris
104 179
137 371 482699 1062 10541020 1039 10531003 1034 1046998 1042 10411060 1034 10361022 1039 10131038 1007 10481076 1003 10071012 1015 10321030 992 10041026 1027 1044828 1029 10001000 998 10121003 1012 781873 1030 10331003 833 911720 879 1004694686
1010288140177166520483870
SUM TLP
50000 100000grains cm -3
Pollen
conc
entrati
on
LPAZ
TOL-1a
TOL-1b
TOL-2a
TOL-2b
TOL-2c
TOL-2d
TOL-2e
TOL-3
FUNGICRYPTOGAMS
2 4 6 8 10
Total sum of squares
CONISSLitho
logy