Domesticated: Unlocking inter-species integration
From The Observatory
Date
September 19, 2025
Location
University of Michigan
Museum of Anthropological Archaeology
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“Over the last two decades, archaeological research across north-central Asia has led to a clarification of the timing of the introduction of domesticated animals and plants. As economies in this region shifted from foraging to the use of ruminant livestock, to horse dairying and riding, and finally to the cultivation of grains, these marked major thresholds in human history.
As part of my forthcoming book, a new model is proposed for the stages of integration of cultivated species into societies—from the initial introduction of domesticated animals or plants to their acceptance, solidification or complete incorporation, and finally intensification. The delineation of these varied stages depends on novel biomolecular techniques to refine these broader narratives, including proteomics, ancient DNA, and isotopic analyses. Resulting findings suggest that there were multiple trajectories and timelines for cooperation between species, as domestic species were integrated into societies there were shifts in landscape use, knowledge systems, and the structures of social systems that encompassed cultivated species.”Key Speaker: Alicia R. Ventresca-Miller
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University of Michigan Museum of Anthropological Archaeology
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UMMAA Mission Statement: The University of Michigan Museum of Anthropological Archaeology (UMMAA) is dedicated to original research on humanity's past, to the curation of world-class collections, and to sharing our knowledge with the public. We are further committed to educating undergraduates about human diversity, and training graduate students to become anthropological archaeologists.
UMMAA Vision Statement: The University of Michigan Museum of Anthropological Archaeology (UMMAA) aims to make archaeology a force for social good and positive change in the world at large and in our local communities. Its curators, students, and staff envision a world where archaeological data are employed to help meet future challenges, both local and global, to the benefit of all members of society.