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Description
Historical zooarchaeology is a multicomponent field that attempts to reconstruct dietary practices based on animal bones observed in archaeological sites. Faunal remains from historical sites have been increasingly used to answer questions regarding the types of animals used in diets, butchering methods, ethnic or cultural affiliation, seasonality, and socioeconomic status of previous inhabitants. This thesis attempts to reconstruct San Diego’s food culture by comparing previously analyzed faunal remains from sites located throughout San Diego County, California. Additionally, historical documents including menus, recipes, and cookbooks are examined to supplement the existing archaeological record. This thesis explores class by cross-examining observed faunal remains with an economic index of meat cuts. Ethnicity is investigated through differing butchering methods and observed butcher marks on faunal remains. Lastly, by comparing differences in faunal analyses from sites in New and Old Town San Diego to those of rural sites in San Diego County, differences in rural and urban foodways can be ascertained. A blend of four major theoretical approaches, namely, middle range theory; historical particularism; structuralism; and consumer behavior theory guide the analyses of historical San Diegan food culture. San Diego’s historical background will also provide context by examining local phenomena that parallel the dates of the archaeological sites. This study emphasizes that historical zooarchaeology can provide insight into past consumer, economic, and ethnic foodways along with behavioral deposition practices. It has been suggested that past mindsets are reflected in the material culture, and the analysis of faunal remains in San Diego sites will provide insight into San Diego’s changing social and cultural environment.
