Identification of Feather Fragments by Microstudies
Hargrave LL. 1965. Identification of Feather Fragments by Microstudies. Memoirs of the Society for American Archaeology. 19:202-205
Feather fragments allow identification of types of birds living in the Southwest. The article briefly mentions that turkey feathers were used at the West Ruin at Aztec Ruins. These feathers were found in cotton socks which would have provided warmth for the Anasazis. Turkey feathers were also found in robes and blankets at the ruins. Not much work has been done on identification of feather fragments because of a deficiency in methods and a lack of trained persons. One individual, trained in these techniques, was tested intensively to determine the accuracy of his identifications. Besides identifying archaeological feather fragments, he also identified small fragments from artifacts (such as cotton socks), which is one example of the usefulness of this technique.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Hargrave, Lyndon
- Units
- AZRU
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Animals, Birds (Aves), Faunal Remains, Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)