Together with the local archaeologists we are studying human-animal relationships among Finland's Sámi 1000-1800 AD using aDNA (ancient DNA). The goal of the project is to identify the species represented in the bone finds from sacrificial sites of the Finnish Sámi. Using aDNA techniques and stable isotope analyses it is possible to determine whether the animals were domesticated or hunted form the wild, and from where they originated. This will potentially give insights into the Sámi culture, e.g. beliefs and trading.

More information here: http://www.oulu.fi/hutk/yleark/tutkimus/Huippututkimus/mil.html

Collaborators: Jouni Aspi, Milton Núñez, Jari Okkonen, Univ. Oulu.

PhD student (co-supervisors in parenthesis):

Matti Heino, Univ. Oulu: Human-animal relationships among Finland's Sámi 1000-1800 AD. DNA and stable isotope analyses of bones from ritual sites (Aspi).