Estudio de un pequeño équido altomedieval del yacimiento de Salmedina 2 (Vallecas, Madrid)
Keywords:
zooarchaeology, taphonomy, visigoths, equid, iberian peninsulaAbstract
We present for the first time, a complete description of the site of Salmedina 2 (Vallecas, Madrid) including the remains of a small equid, osteological, ceramic and lithic materials identified in Hole 17. The radiometric dating indicates different occupations from the Chalcolithic (2632-2469 cal BC) to the Visigothic period (774-660 cal AD). The morphological and metric characteristics of the equid skeleton indicate that this is an adult female donkey (Equus asinus). The osteophytes identified in two thoracic vertebrae and one lumbar vertebra indicate the use for load or transport. The absence of anthropic marks rules out its use for consumption. The position in anatomical connection and the differential treatment of the bone, ceramic and lithic remains of the sediment covering its burial combined with the nearby location of two other pits from similar chronology with human remains suggest a symbolic character of the animal.