REPORT ON HAIR ON OX SKULL FROM SOLWAY MOSS, CUMBRIA
Author(s): M L Ryder
Assuming no difference in coat structure over the body, the Solway ox had a "modern" rather than a "primitive" coat. The mean hair diameters are comparable with those of Saxon and medieval cattle hair. Although the animal did have dark brown or black hair on the muzzle, the remaining hair on the head was not white but tan or brown, as shown by the presence of granules of natural animal pigment within the hairs. Although each sample contained the tips of hair growing to replace those that had shed, this does not necessarily mean regrowth after the spring moult since hair replacement on the head may be continuous. Attention is drawn to the possibility that artificial red pigment might have been applied to the top of the head.
- Report Number:
- 23/1994
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 6
- Keywords:
- Animal Bone Animal Fibre Animal Remains Pigment
