Copyright Sheffield Galleries & Museums Trust
Modern sheep skull
Copyright Sheffield Galleries & Museums Trust
Modern sheep skull
Dimensions : Length c. 20cm.
Site name : Roystone Grange
Site type : Industrial production site; Living site
Time period : Modern
Material : Bone or antler
Object type : Animal remains
Museum number : none
No complete sheep skulls were found at Roystone Grange. This is the skull of a modern day sheep. One of the eye sockets and the shape of the muzzle can be seen. The lower jaw is missing.
Modern sheep are the result of special breeding over thousands of years. They are bigger than their wild ancestors and have a whiter and woollier coat. This is the result of breeding for more and whiter wool.
Some breeds of sheep found today have some features of older breeds of sheep. For example, Soay sheep from St Kilda in Scotland still have a very dark coloured fleece.
Bibliography :
Hodges, R. , 1991a
Glossary:
Medieval
Related objects
Lucet from Roystone Grange
Excavations at Roystone Grange
Bone pendant from Hay Top
Dagger pommel from Galley Low
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