Understanding Prehistoric Turkey Husbandry
Top: Turkey poults forage near tethered hen. Poults stay near hen for protection. Bottom: Male Marriams Turkey, New Mexico.
Figure 1, from Deanna Grimstead et al. (2014). Reduced Population Variance in Strontium Isotope Ratios Informs Domesticated Turkey Use at Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, USA. Figure composed by Adam Hudson.
Dr. Grimstead and colleagues discovered not only does it make more caloric sense to keep turkey as semi-domesticates rather than to expend energy hunting, but they provide various agricultural benefits as well! Move aside three sisters farming for the three sisters and a HEN!
Deanna Grimstead's Miscellaneous Projects
Recovered from Marana Platform Mound, Arizona. Photographer Jannelle Weakly, Arizona State Museum, with permission.
Water, plant, and cattle samples were taken at McGibbon–King Ranch. Photo by Barnet Pavao-Zuckerman.
Shell pendant from southern Arizona archaeology site showing sampling for isotope sourcing Analyses.