Agricultural Impact: The Domestication of Animals

Utah State University’s Museum of Anthropology presents special guest Lyle McNeal at its next “Saturdays at the Museum” activity.

McNeal presents “Agricultural Impact: The Domestication of Animals” Saturday, July 16, at 1 p.m.

“Evidence of animal domestication is found as early as 10,000 years ago, significantly changing the economy and lifeways of various ancient cultures around the world,” said program coordinator Melissa Allen. “Some areas in the world still rely on small sheep farms for economic and cultural survival. Dr. McNeal has worked with the Navajo and the Churro sheep population decline and is presently working with Iraqi sheep raisers to help them establish a stronger sheep industry. His work has been vital to the sustainability of numerous populations. We are honored to be able to share his experiences with the community.”

During the July 16 event, families are invited to participate in a craft project throughout the day, creating fluffy sheep from cotton balls. Patrons are also encouraged bring a new rawhide toy that will be donated to the Cache Humane Society.

In addition to McNeal’s lecture, the Museum of Anthropology also features a new exhibit related to his work with Churro sheep. The exhibit highlights traditional Navajo weaving, a skill passed on to younger generations by women. The exhibit Diné: Weaving a Tradition of Strength opened May 2011 and showcases traditional Navajo weavings on loan by USU alum Michael Morgan. It examines the history and resilience of the Navajo and the Churro sheep through these intricate pieces.

McNeal is a professor of animal science in the College of Agriculture at USU. In 2007 he was honored as Carnegie Professor of the Year.

Every year, McNeal works with the Navajo Nation as part of the Navajo Sheep Project in an effort to increase the Navajo Churro sheep population on the Reservation. McNeal also leads the USDA-FAS Iraq Sheep Sector Enhancement Project.

Museum patrons should note that Champ Drive, the usual access route to the museum from 400 North (U.S. Highway 89), is closed due to construction during this event and through most of the summer. Free parking is still available on the south end of the building, and a temporary road has been made between the student center and the LDS Institute.

Community members, as well as Utah State students, can visit the museum during its operating hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Funding for the Saturday events is provided by a grant from the United States Institute of Museum and Library Services. More information about the IMLS is available online.

The USU Museum of Anthropology is on the USU campus in the south turret of the historic Old Main building, Room 252. Admission is free. For Saturday activities, free parking is available in the adjacent lot, south of the building.

For more information about this event, call museum staff at (435) 797-7545 or visit the museum website.

The Museum of Anthropology is part of the Anthropology Program at USU in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Related links:

• USU Anthropology Program 
• USU Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology
• USU College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Source: Museum of Anthropology

Contact: USU Museum of Anthropology, (435) 797-7545, anthro.museum@usu.edu