A faunal analysis of the 17th century galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha

Abstract

The vertebrate faunal analyses of the 17th century sunken Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and to a lesser extent, the Santa Margarita have yielded relevant information on the transportation of animal types across the Alantic. The collection from the Atocha includes 986 identifiable bones, which mainly consist of various fish, reptiles and mammals, although a few bird bones are noted. Remains were collected from 16 areas either within what was left of the ship, or in sections measured away from the wreck. Evidence has shown that a few animals, namely Sus scrofa and Ovis/Capra, had been consumed during the voyage, due to cut marks and/or burned areas. Fresh fish were also a major food source on board ship. Other species were transported alive for use as breeding stock, curiosities for European zoos or as commodities. Hence, this assemblage provided important information about human-animal interactions aboard such sailing vessels.