Marine Molluscs

Abstract

Shells of marine molluscs frequently occur in archaeological sites across the world. Many were collected for human consumption, the discarded shells forming shell middens. Their analysis can inform about the environments exploited by human foragers and environmental change on local to regional scales, especially using oxygen isotope sclerochronology. Radiocarbon dates from marine shells provide chronological frameworks for sites and coastal settlement systems. Oxygen isotopes in marine shells indicate seasonality of shellfish collection, helping reveal patterns of resource scheduling, sedentism, or mobility. Changes in shell size and species selection indicate the impact of foraging on shellfish resources and any resource management strategies. Marine shells were used for artifacts, and shell beads from early human sites indicate modern cognitive behavioral attributes and symbolism. Zoogeographical and chemical analyses of shell artifacts reveal the provenience of the raw materials and hence trade or exchange networks.