Site function and formation of complex tell-site: understanding faunal contexts at Tel Dor

A detailed multivariate zooarchaeological and taphonomic research was carried out at Tel Dor, a large coastal tell-site in Israel, which spans from the Biblical to classical periods. Our research goal was designed to gain insights to how site formation processes in complex tell sites are reflected in the faunal remains of the site, while analyzing the economic, cultural, and environmental implications of the finds. We studied the effects of sieving on retrieval of faunal remains, and the distribution of different faunal characteristics in different depositional elements. The depositional elements include primary deposition, purposive disposal (pits) and secondary deposition (various fills). We focused on a context-by-context taphonomic analysis, searching for different patterns of species abundance and richness, body parts distribution, butchery marks, burning evidence, carnivores’ activity and bone preservation and fragmentation.

Preliminary contextual analysis reveals patterns of bone disposal in different contexts and occupational phases, many of which manifest the complexity of economic and social activities. In addition, the different depositional practices at the tell bear distinctive taphonomic signatures. This allows us to elucidate the special subsistence activities and the behavioral system that positioned the finds in the site.