Cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, dogs and, over time, horses too – these were the main farm animals during the Bronze Age. The production of meat, milk and wool became increasingly important. Wear and tear on the bones that have been excavated show that oxen, cows and horses were also used as draught animals. The cultivation of fields near settlements developed, whilst the increased use of pastures and forests fundamentally altered the landscape. There are even early signs of a three-field system that was sustainable from an ecological perspective, but also indications of extensive clearing and deforestation of the lakeshore strip up to the surrounding hillsides of Lake Constance.

During the summer months, livestock grazed in the region, possibly even in a form of transhumance, the practice of moving herds between widely separated areas. Shepherds and shepherdesses, as well as children, watched over the herds. They were accompanied by herding dogs. Two breeds, one smaller and one larger, have been identified in the pile-dwelling settlements.

During the cold season, pastures and stables in the immediate vicinity of the settlements offered the herds protection from wild animals and cattle thieves. To replenish meat supplies, but also to limit the amount of fodder consumed during the season of sparse vegetation, numerous young animals were slaughtered in late autumn.

In addition to keeping large farm animals, archaeological finds of hollowed-out tree trunks – known as log hives – provide evidence of beekeeping for the production of wax and honey.

Herding animals

Herd animals still often graze in pastures today. They are usually enclosed by an electric fence to prevent them from running away. Of course, such fences did not exist back then. Shepherds therefore looked after the animals day and night. Smaller dogs such as the Torfspitz, and larger ones with pointed muzzles and erect ears, similar to sheepdogs, helped with this. Part of the herding work involved gathering wild herbs and turning the milk from the animals into cheese. In between, there was enough time to carve flutes and pipes. The bone pipe produced shrill signal tones. Beautiful melodies could be played on the elderwood flute. Have you spotted the shepherd yet?