Animal resources in experimental archaeology: A reflection on standards and ethics

• Experiments in zooarchaeology facilitate interpretations of faunal remains. • Variation among species, individuals, elements and preservation presents challenges. • Consistently and ethically acquiring animal remains presents challenges. • Formulaic methods are not possible but describing approaches and challenges is. • We propose mindfulness and transparency in research design, sampling, and presentation. Experimental, actualistic, and replicative studies are foundational for facilitating interpretations of faunal remains. However, these studies are often limited by uncontrollable factors, such as the variation inherent in bone as a product of living individuals and the ways animals are handled after their death. Bone varies with each species and element, the sex and age of the individuals, and the conditions in which it is retained. Because of the challenges of acquiring modern bone samples, zooarchaeologists are often limited by this variation and sample size in their studies. Transparency through mindfully and honestly presenting research design, sampling, and original data will facilitate the interpretation of results and the development of new projects. Furthermore, the remains that zooarchaeologists study, whether modern or ancient, were once living animals within dynamic communities and ecosystems, and they should be respected as such. This includes respecting descendant communities’ potential relationships with these animals.