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By the Head of a Spirited Horse: A Biocultural Analysis of Horse-Depositions as Reflections of Horseman Identities in Early Britain (Iron Age to Early Medieval Period)
Cross, Pamela J.
Cross, Pamela J.
Publication Date
2018
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The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.
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Accepted for publication
Institution
University of Bradford
Department
Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences
Awarded
2018
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Abstract
Horse-depositions were examined to explore the development of human-horse relationships in early Britain using a multidisciplinary approach (osteological,
archaeological, historical and ethnographical) to interpret these relationships as part
of Horseman identities in the Iron Age, Roman and medieval periods. Medieval
Horseman-burials are an established phenomenon and considered an Anglo-Saxon import in Britain which expressed a general elite-warrior male status. However, Horseman-burials form an exclusive minority which suggest not a general warrior elite but specific subgroups and/or traditions potentially rooted in earlier practices.
Husbandry, transportation-use and ritual practices were also investigated. Horses and horse-use were evaluated via stature and correlations with sex. The results
indicated sexual dimorphism should be considered when interpreting horse stature.
It is hypothesised that generally females were pastured breeding-stock while males
were transportation-stock which received supplemental nutrition and care. Males
were/are generally larger than females, and size disparity was probably heightened by such gendered horse-use practices. Overall, it appears females were 1.3m or
less, and horses over 1.3m were males. Horse-depositional patterns in human,
particularly funerary, spaces were analysed. Horse deposition often had ritual
components and practices changed over time reflecting changing Horseman
identities, particularly during the Roman period. Roman-British interactions, the
destruction of native-elite chariot-warfare identities and the development of native-auxiliary groups refocused Horseman identities on mounted-warfare. This change
from driver to rider, a more intimate relationship, appears reflected by the
development of human-horse burials and Horseman identities linked to auxiliary-native cultural groups which incorporated Roman equites ideals with native-auxiliary
and imported Eurasian Horseman traditions.
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Type
Thesis
Qualification name
PhD
Notes
The appendices which accompany the thesis are not available online.