This week I have a very real mystery object for you to have a go at identifying, that was recently excavated in Ireland by archaeologists from Irish Archaeological Consultancy and they very kindly let me take a look and share it with you:
I have an idea of what this is, but I’d be keen to hear what you think it might be.
You can put your thoughts in the comments below and hopefully between us we’ll figure it out!
Zygoma 
my guess is part of a badger’s skull?
Why a badger?
Ireland – not many carnavores – badgers have strong jaws – looks like part of a cranium where the muscles are attached. Of course, I’m most likely completely wrong; this was just a first impression and wild guess tossed out there. 🙂
Part of a skull?
my first thought is the top of the cranium of a pig.
maybe wild boar?
An omnivore? That’s the best I can do for now.
first guess was a sternum, but it’s too thick and heavy for a flying bird.
second guess, i believe jenn is correct with suidae. their skulls have strong sagittal crests, but a distinctive sweeping, streamlined form, that always reminds me of a classic car from the 30’s or 40’s. The first pic most clearly shows this.
appears to have been butchered, was it found in roman layered sediment?