Archaeological implications of variability in the economic anatomy of Bison bison

Abstract

Production and distribution differences in the carcasses of four bison of different age, sex and condition provided by Theodore Roosevelt National Park are examined in order to better understand prehistoric patterns of bison use and archaeological remains. Quantitative differences in carcass yields (based upon weight and caloric value) are compared for individual and grouped products, including meat and protein, skeletal fat (marrow and bone grease), and carcass fat (intramuscular, intermuscular, subcutaneous and cavity depots).