First data on animal exploitation in Funj Sultanate, Kingdom of Dongola, Sudan (16th–17th centuries)

The scientific importance of the archaeozoological study of 16th‐ to 17th‐century faunal materials from Old Dongola in Sudan cannot be overstated in view of it being the only regular project of its kind on postmedieval material from Sudan to date. The results highlight the dynamics of the sociopolitical transformation taking place at this time. From the point of view of the economy, domestic cattle were the most important species, and there are certain indications in favour of long‐distance trade following mainly a north–south vector and taking advantage of the old early Makurian forts. The archaeozoological data reflect the presence of large homogeneous populations of short‐horned cattle resembling the varieties kept in Meroitic times. Small ruminants held an important place in local consumption patterns; and new species, the camel and the domestic chicken, gained a place for themselves in this period. A much more extensive use of wild game—birds, reptiles and species of catfish—also distinguished the economy of 16th‐ to 17th‐century Dongola.