Shells

Drawing on examples worldwide, and covering prehistoric and historic periods, among the topics covered are: is shell deposit natural or cultural? How long do shells last? What can shells tell us about the environmental characteristics and ancient habitats or about the people who collected them? What symbolic roles have shells served in human societies? This is a well balanced account, and all aspects of the subject are clearly represented.This guide to the study of shells considers the history of archaeological interest in shells, the biology of freshwater and marine molluscs, and also discusses current techniques, methods, and research problems relating to archaeology.Addressed to students and professional archaeologists and palaeontologists, Shells offers an encyclopaedic treatment of the subject. It covers the history of archaeological interest in shells, the biology of freshwater and marine molluscs, and critically discusses current techniques, methods, and research problems.This book is an encyclopaedic treatment of shell analysis, with material suitable for students and professional archaeologists and palaeontologists. It covers the history of archaeological interest in shells, the biology of freshwater and marine molluscs, and critically discusses current techniques, methods, and research problems. What can shells tell us about the environmental characteristics and ancient habitats or about the people who collected them? These, and other fascinating questions, are raised in this accessible text."...both Claassen and Cambridge Press are to be commended to their devotion to providing the archaeological community with such a useful volume." Journal of Middle Atlantic Archaeology'... superb reference work ... it is clearly written, concise, well-illustrated and thorough treatment of subject ...'. Royal Anthropological InstituteAn encyclopaedic treatment of shells, for the student and professional archaeologists and palaeontologists.