Digital modelling of diagnostic ovicaprid bones and its application

Abstract

Academia has tried to devise methods for differentiating between sheep and goat bones, and although this has been managed to some degree, a lot more work still remains to be carried out on this matter. This study does not try to provide a solution for distinguishing sheep and goat bones, but it has built on the literature which has been published, by providing a framework for the photogrammetric modelling of animal bones, specifically sheep and goat bones, and by mentioning the applications and benefits which these digital models could provide. Chapter 1 describes the scope and aims, as well as the objectives of this research project. Chapter 2 provides a review of the literature, relevant to this study, which included a detailed description of the domestication and dispersal of sheep and goats, a brief outline on ovicaprids in ancient Malta, mention of the various methods which can separate sheep and goat bones, and an account of the various applications of 3D models of animal bones. Chapter 3 focuses on the methodology, which describes the methods which were used for 3D modelling ovicaprid bones, as well as the analytical work, which was carried out afterwards, which included creating a catalogue for the diagnostic criteria for sheep and goat bones by exhibiting such features on 3D models of these remains, this was placed in the Appendix, and a survey which tested whether 3D models of sheep and goat bones could aid in classifying ovicaprid bones. Chapter 4 included the results which were gathered for this study. Chapter 5 contains a discussion, which focused on the aims and objectives of this research project, specifically by describing how these were fulfilled. The final chapter, chapter 6, provides a summary of the work which had been carried out for this study, as well as provides a section on future works which can be carried out, subsequent to this study.