DNA from Ancient Reindeer Antler as Marker for Transport Routes and Movement of Craftspeople, Raw Material and Products in Medieval Scandinavia

Abstract

This pilot project is a joint venture between natural and cultural scientists that share a common interest in exploiting whether available DNA technology makes it possible to trace back archaeologically found reindeer antler from medieval urban comb production sites to its original provenance. The provenancing of reindeer antler, used in the production of combs and other personal accessories during the Middle Ages, may be a key factor in the study of the identity and the organization of medieval combmakers. Hereunder routes of transportation used by these craftspeople and their products are important. Provenancing will also enhance the understanding of the social and economic importance of the different reindeer mass trapping systems in medieval Scandinavia.