The study of the exploitation of animals for traction in prehistoric Europe has been linked to the ‘secondary products revolution’. Such an approach, however, leaves little scope for identification of the less specialised exploitation of animals for traction during the European Neolithic. This study presents zooarchaeological evidence—in the form of sub-pathological alterations to cattle foot bones—for the exploitation of cattle for the occasional pulling of heavy loads, or ‘light’ traction. The analysis and systematic comparison of material from 11 Neolithic sites in the Western Balkans (c. 6100–4500 cal BC) provides the earliest direct evidence for the use of cattle for such a purpose.

The purpose of this study was to dissect various animal larynges in support of a proposal for a laryngeal dissection laboratory. It was found that although the bovine larynx is larger than the human larynx, the anatomy is similar. Thirty-three bovine larynges were dissected by the author in various simulated phonosurgical and partial laryngectomy procedures. Following each procedure, the specimen was photographed for teaching purposes. The author concludes that dissecting bovine larynges offers a valuable aid to training in the field of laryngeal surgery. It is intended to apply these dissections in the form of a departmental surgical workshop.