Osteological analysis of Nyctereutes procyonoides bones excavated from the Gasan-ri archaeological site

Archaeological research has mainly focused on stone tools, pottery, and metal relics excavated from ruins. Recently, interest in natural relics such as animal bones has increased, as these relics can provide insight into the eating habits, cultural level, and perception of animals of the people at that time. This study investigated morphological structures and dimensions of Nyctereutes procyonoides bones excavated from a well at the Gasan-ri archaeological site in Jinju. These bones are presumed to be relics from the Three Kingdoms period. A total of 447 animal bones were excavated, of which 59 (13.2%) were identified as N. procyonoides bones. These identified bones weighed 47.14 g, accounting for 4.83% of the total bone weight (975.30 g). These N. procyonoides bones were found to belong to 2 individuals estimated to be 5 to 6 weeks old. These bones included 5 skull fragments, 2 mandibles, 9 vertebrae, 11 ribs, 10 forelimb bones, 3 hip bones, and 19 hindlimb bones. A fracture was observed near the bregma of one skull. The presence of a complete specimen in the well suggested that it was used in animal sacrifice rituals. This study estimated the value of animals and human dietary culture at that time by utilizing N. procyonoides bones presumed to be relics of the Three Kingdoms period.