Bone Course

Archaeozoology (Bone Course) When: 19 & 20 March 2011 & 26 & 27 March 2011 Where: Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (formerly the Transvaal Museum) Cost : R1800.00 (There are only 20 seats available! (minimum of 10 people)) Introduction Archaeozoology is a sub-discipline of archaeology and deals with the analysis of animal skeletal material from archaeological terrains.  This course will allow you to step into the shoes of an archaeozoologist and see how the basic knowledge of animal skeletons can open a whole new world of understanding nature, animals and how animal remains are vital to the interpretation of an archaeological terrain. In two consecutive weekends I will take you on an exciting journey of discovery and learning around the intricacies of the animal skeleton and the identification of these remains. The course will include lectures, discussion and hands on practical classes. Participants will begin to develop the skills necessary to: ·         Identify different species from their bones and teeth ·         Identify the differences between the major mammal and animal groups ·         Age and sex bones ·         Recognize taphonomy, butchery and pathology ·         Understand how archaeozoological material is analysed and quantified ·         Interpret site reports and Archaeozoological literature   Schedule   DAY 1 ·         Lectures o   Introduction: What is Archaeozoology o   Basic Skeletal Anatomy ·         Practicals o   Assembling a skeleton DAY 2 ·         Lectures o   Major skeletal differences of the major mammal groups ·         Practicals o   Assembling skeletons of the major mammal groups DAY 3 ·         Lectures o   Skeletal differences and adaptations between the animal groups o   Determination of age gender, pathology, taphonomy ·         Practicals o   Exploring the animal groups DAY 4 ·         Lectures o   Differences in site material and archaeological id o   Archaeozoological research direction o   Osteology and osteometry in animal bone ·         Practicals o   Putting your knew found knowledge to the test There will be ample opportunity to ask questions and discuss the issues raised during the course.    What does the course fee include? All course material, tea / coffee and lunch.  Your fee includes access to the best animal skeletal collection in southern Africa and provides you a rare glimpse at this treasure.  The course is presented at the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (Transvaal Museum) and 25% of the course fees will go to the Museum to assist with the upkeep of their excellent collections.   Who should attend? There is no required knowledge base nor do you need a relevant degree or diploma, the only thing required is a willingness to learn and an eagerness for knowledge.  This course caters for the young and the old, the skilled and the unskilled, all the armchair archaeologists out there, those who always wanted – or is going – to study archaeology, those who love nature and her mysteries and for those who just love learning something new and exciting.   Cancellations and refunds No refunds will be granted How do I book? If this sounds like a course you would die to attend, then for more information and to make a booking contact: Karin cell: 083 485 6584 or e-mail: kayscott@mweb.co.za