My primary research interests are centred on how, when and why humans have utilised fur-bearing species. I have been looking for spatial and temporal trends, with Great Britain as my geographical starting point. I am interested in what can be learnt by synthesising data from published and grey literature.
I am also interested in the application of experimental archaeology to aid in the interpretation of archaeological data. Specifically, I draw on my experience as a taxidermist to consider the significance of cut marks and the interpretation of skinning.
Publications
- E. H. Fairnell (2012) Fur-bearing species: a zooarchaeological meta-analysis of their presence and use across three regions of Britain. PhD in Archaeology, University of York
- E. H. Fairnell (2008) 101 ways to skin a fur-bearing animal: the implications for zooarchaeological interpretation. In: Experiencing Archaeology by Experiment (edited by P. Cunningham, J. Heeb and R. Paardekooper), pp. 47-60. Proceedings of the Experimental Archaeology Conference, Exeter, 2007
- E. H. Fairnell & J. H. Barrett (2007) Fur-bearing species and Scottish islands. Journal of Archaeological Science 34, 463-484
- E. H. Fairnell (2006) Farmers, foxes and fur: their significance in Iron Age Orkney [abstract]. In: A Walk on the Wild Side (session led by J. Mulville). Proceedings of the 10th Conference of the International Council for Archaeozoology, Mexico, 2006
- E. H. Fairnell (2003) The utilisation of fur-bearing animals in the British Isles: a zooarchaeological hunt for data. MSC in Zooarchaeology, University of York
