Faunal Analysis and Meat Procurement: Reconstructing the Sexual Division
of Labor at Shields Pueblo, Colorado
This study investigates the sexual division of meat procurement at Shields
Pueblo, a large aggregated village in the Northern San Jaun region of Colorado,
occupied from ca., A.D. 725–1280. This is primarily achieved through analysis
of faunal remains in reference to the environmental, economic, and social
factors affecting the inhabitants of this region for Pueblo I (ca., A.D.
725–900) until regional depopulation ca., A.D. 1280. This disseration supports
previous research in the Northern San Juan region regarding changes to
the faunal pattern over time. It is noted that the Shield Pueblo faunal assemblage
is characterized by a decline in artiodactyl frequencies and an intensification
in utilization of lagomorphs and domestic turkeys - starting ca., A.D.
1060-.
A gendered analysis, using cross-cultural as well as southwestern ethnographic
data, indicates an interesting pattern in the control/care/production of domestic
animals. Specifically, small household domesticates are the responsibility
of the female head of household. Archaeological evidence of women's production
of domestic meat resources is investigated for Shields Pueblo. It is argued
here that as environmental and social factors changed and large game hunting
declined, household-based economies became more important. As these conditions
changed, making large-scale game hunting increasingly risky, women came to
supply much of the community's meat (the majority in many communities).
In conclusion, it is suggested that as environmental conditions declined
and the threat of warfare and violence increased, there was a shift in the
organization of labour in regards to meat procurement. While large game was
plentiful/accessible, men were the primary suppliers of meat for the community.
As domesticated meat resources began to dominate the pueblo economy, women's
control of domestic turkeys allowed them to attain more prestige - and thus
power - within the household and larger community.