Kom Firin report

Louise Bertini undertook analysis of all of the faunal bone recovered between 2002 and 2008; the following represents a brief summary of some of her key conclusions. The faunal material, consisting of 3705 bone fragments, was in good condition for a Nile Delta site. All bone fragments were examined, with information being recorded for each on its taxon, element, portion, side, age, evidence for butchery marks, being worked, gnawed, burn marks, and breakage patterns. Fish bones were not part of the study, though the majority appear to be Nile Catfish (Synodontis and Clarias), followed by Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) and Tilapia.

Pigs are by far the most commonly identified species at Kom Firin, making up 44.1% of the total number of identified specimens. The ratio of pigs to sheep/goat is 4:1 and the ratio of pigs to cattle is: 6:1. These are very peculiar ratios, as a more typical pig to sheep goat ratio is between 1:1 and 1.5:1. This may reflect lower status occupation levels, for example of Third Intermediate Period occupation over the abandoned Ramesside temple, or in the dense occupation area in the northeast area of the enclosure (where pig to sheep/goat ratios reached 10:1). Cattle bones were also found, particularly in the Third Intermediate Period occupation levels above the Ramesside temple, but also from within the temple itself, perhaps reflecting the ancient offering cult. Equid remains (donkeys and horses) were also found with some frequency (262 fragments).