Dr. Nerissa Russell

Biography

Nerissa Russell is a zooarchaeologist whose primary focus is on Neolithic sites in southeastern Europe and Anatolia. With extensive experience at Çatalhöyük, Turkey, where she serves as co-director of the zooarchaeology lab, her work investigates the complex relationships between humans and animals, particularly in the context of Neolithic societies in eastern Europe and the Near East. Her research delves into the social and symbolic roles of animals, examining topics such as wealth, medicinal uses, and dietary practices. She is particularly interested in how prehistoric peoples utilized animal resources to construct social relations, especially through feasting, meat sharing, and exchanges. Russell's publications, including her significant work 'Social Zooarchaeology: Humans and Animals in Prehistory,' contribute to the understanding of human-animal interactions in ancient contexts, focusing on themes of gender inequality and social dynamics.

Research Interests

Experience