CATTLE HERDS AND THE REDISTRIBUTION OF CATTLE RESOURCES

This paper seeks to review approaches to the significance of mortality profiles of cattle herds represented by animal remains from archaeolo gical sites in eastern and southern Africa. In particular, the focus i s on prevailing interpretations Of the presence of large numbers of im mature animals at elite sites. First, the theoretical significance of faunal remains is reconsidered, suggesting that provision of meat for the court or capital was an important aspect of power. Second, the exp loitation of young animals is examined and shown to be constrained by physical practicalities as well as socio-political preferences. These evaluations are then used to examine mortality profiles from eastern a nd southern Africa, ultimately focusing on the anomalous profile from the Hill midden at Great Zimbabwe.