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Ring depressions in cattle horncores as indicators of traction use - a cautionary note
Richard Thomas1, Naomi Sykes2, Sean Doherty3
1School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
In this short communication we call attention to the discovery of a ring depression (a circumferential constriction) in the horncore of a feral bull. This discovery casts doubt on the attribution of similar lesions in archaeological deposits as conclusive evidence of 'cord impressions' resulting from yoking or reining cattle for traction. Drawing upon evidence of horncore depressions in other species, we suggest that they reflect metabolic problems following horn development; additional research is required to test this hypothesis.
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