Age Estimation of Prehistoric Pigs (Sus scrofa) by Molar Eruption and Attrition

• Published in: Journal of archaeological science Vol. 21; no. 3; pp. 377 - 386
• Main Authors: Rolett, Barry V., Chiu, Min-yung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01.05.1994; Elsevier Science; Academic Press
• Subjects: Age Estimation Of Pigs, Zooarchaeology, Polynesian Prehistory; Melanesia, micronesia and polynesia; Oceania; Prehistory and protohistory; Polynesia; Oceania; Age Estimation Of Pigs, Zooarchaeology, Polynesian Prehistory; Archaeozoology; Tooth; Fauna; Dating; Age; Pig
• ISSN: 0305-4403; 1095-9238
• DOI: 10.1006/jasc.1994.1036

Dental criteria based on established molar eruption and attrition sequences are useful in estimating the ages of pigs (Sus scrofa) represented in archaeologically recovered faunal samples. Building upon methodology developed by A. Grant for the age estimation analysis of pig demimandibles, this study presents a reliable method for the analysis of individual molars. The method is widely applicable because isolated molars are easily identifiable, in addition to being relatively abundant and well preserved in faunal assemblages containing pig remains. Overlapping stages of tooth formation and eruption during the first two years of life make pig molars ideal for constructing age profiles when these are based on relatively broad age groups. Application of this method is demonstrated through the case study analysis of individual pig teeth excavated from the Hanamiai Dune archaeological site in the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia). The Hanamiai data reveal a high frequency of sub-adult age pigs (greater than 5-8 months but not more than about 10-14 months old).