'Sheep Ear-Marks in the Traditional Economy: the Example of Mann. Together with material presented for a comparative view of ear-marking in the British Isles and in Scandinavia'

Date(s): June 1981

Scope & Content: Dissertation submitted for a Masters degree in Folk Life Studies at the Institute of Dialect and Folk-Life Studies, University of Leeds. The dissertation examines the use of marks to display the ownership of sheep (and their skins) and for identifying lost and trespassed animals, with particular reference to those used in the Isle of Man. The author examines the use of sheep in the traditional economy of the Island (using account books and contemporary descriptions), the role of ear-marks in this economy (through legal transgressions and statutes) and the role of pinfolds. He produces illustrations of the full range of marks used on the Island and discusses the relevant terminology. Material is presented for a comparative view of ear-marks arranged in the following areas: the Hebrides, Ireland, Wales, the Northern Fells, the Pennines, the Yorkshire moors, North East England, Scotland, the Northern Isles, the Faeroes, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Eastern Europe. Photocopies of correspondence, pages from mark-books, sheep keepers' and shepherds' guide books are included throughout the study and an appendix contains material on the non-traditional marking of sheep. Appendix includes a flock book dated 1900; and examples of earmarking pliers.

Language: English

Extent: 1 volume

Physical description: photocopy

Item name: dissertation

Collection: Manuscript Archive

Level: ITEM

ID number: MS 11767/1

Record class: Private

Access conditions: No regulations or restrictions are implemented on this material. Advance notification of a research visit is advisable by emailing library@mnh.gov.im

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