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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Sur les traces du mouton en Gaule

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Concerning the evidence for sheep in Gaul.- In northern Gaul, bones of sheep and goat are found in most Iron Age sites, farms, villages, graves and shrines. It is difficult to establish a good distinction between the bones of these two species, but sheep are more numerous than goat. This short paper deals with the use of these animals in domestic and ritual practices over a long period, from the Late Bronze Age to the beginning of Roman period. The fact that these animals are represented by bones encourages the study of meat consumption. Mutton is consumed in domestic contexts, but it is also offered during banquets in shrines, public areas in villages or other places, and plays a role during funerary practices. These practices are subject to rules in the choice of animals (age and sex) and meat cuts. Several examples illustrate the diversity of uses of mutton in Gaul.