Neolithic Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) from the Island of Gotland show early contacts with the Swedish mainland
2012 (Engelska)Ingår i: Journal of Archaeological Science, ISSN 0305-4403, E-ISSN 1095-9238, Vol. 39, nr 2, s. 229-233Artikel i tidskrift (Refereegranskat) Published
Abstract [en]
Previous research probing early migrations and contacts in the Baltic Sea area is characterized by the analysis of different chronologies and subsistent strategies on all sides of the Sea. Several studies performed on artifact typology, ceramics, grave rituals and physical anthropology ended with varying results. Although the question of human origins remains inconclusive, in this study, we rely on the phylogeography of an animal associated with humans to elucidate findings regarding prehistoric human migration and contacts.
Hedgehogs, along with other fauna on Gotland, were brought over to the island by humans. We examined hedgehog mitochondrial DNA from the Pitted Ware Culture (Middle Neolithic). The genetic signatures of the animals on the island were investigated to determine the animals origin.
From the 23 bones originally examined, twelve bones from all five locations studied yielded reliable results and resembled published extant Erinaceus europaeus sequences from Sweden, Norway and Denmark. We postulate that a western heritage for the Neolithic hedgehogs on Gotland indicates early human contact with the Swedish mainland.
Ort, förlag, år, upplaga, sidor
London: Academic Press, 2012. Vol. 39, nr 2, s. 229-233
Nyckelord [en]
Phylogeography, ancient DNA, mtDNA, osteology, Erinaceus europaeus, Erinaceus concolor, Neolithic, Sweden
Nationell ämneskategori
Genetik Arkeologi
Identifikatorer
URN: urn:nbn:se:hgo:diva-1170DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2011.08.006OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hgo-1170DiVA, id: diva2:460657
Anmärkning
Published online Oct 28, 2011
2011-11-302011-11-302017-12-08Bibliografiskt granskad