Molluscs emergent, Part II: themes and trends in the scientific investigation of molluscs and their shells as past human resources. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thomas, Kenneth D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 56(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 159
• Page End: 167
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Molluscs -- Sclerochronology -- Stable isotopes -- Human diet -- Seasonality -- Intensification -- Resource management -- Shell artefacts -- Provenance studies -- Trade and exchange; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archéologie -- Périodiques; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2015.01.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-4403

Abstract

Abstract: Recent work in three major research themes involving molluscs is reviewed: 1. molluscs in past human diets and subsistence systems, sclerochemistry and seasonality studies on mollusc harvesting times using stable isotopes of oxygen; 2. the impact of foraging on mollusc populations, resource management strategies, and settlement patterns and mobility of coastal foragers; and 3. mollusc shells as artefacts and personal ornaments, including manufacture and use, provenance studies and exchange systems, and human cognition. Most of the discussion is about marine molluscs and their shells, although land snails and freshwater shells are also considered, where appropriate. Highlights: Molluscs in past human diets and subsistence systems. Seasons of mollusc harvesting from sclerochronology and oxygen isotope analysis. Impacts of human predation on mollusc populations and diverse human responses. Shell artefacts and ornaments: human cognition, materiality and production.