L'exploitation de coquillages sur le site de RJ2 à Ra's al-Jinz (Sultanat d'Oman, Néolithique et Âge du Bronze)

Abstract

The site ofRJ2 is located near the sea. It was occupied during the IVth millennium ВС (Neolithic) and during the Bronze Age, between 2 500 and 2 000 ВС (Umm an-Nar culture). Archaeozoological studies showed that fishes were widely consumed (66. 6 % of the NR) as well as the green tortoises (27.4 % of the NR). In addition to bone remains, it is necessary to add the shell. They indicate a consumption of the maritime molluscs by these populations. They consist mainly of mussels (Perna picta) but also Muricidae (Purpura Panama, Thaidinae, Hexaplex kuesterianus) and oysters ('Saccostrea cucculata). All these species live in rocky environment. The collection of these shells had to he made near the site, along the accessible rocky cliffs during the low tide. During the IVth millennium ВС (Phase I), shell collection targeted Perna picta and the species of the family of Thaidinae. It does not seem, to have had a big impact on the environment. During the Umm an-Nar period, two major phases (Phase 2 and 3) can be distinguished. Phase 2 indicates a collection targeted on Perna picta with sometimes a collection on the species of the family of Thaidinae. During the phase 3, Perna picta is always the main species but the Thaidinae were replaced by Hexaplex kuesterianus and Saccostrea cucculata. The reasons of this change of species can be of an ecological order or from human exploitation (overexploitation or cultural phenomenon). In conclusion, during the IVth millennium ВС, shellfish collection was opportunistic and unspecialised, but during the Bronze Age it became targeted and specialised, on the mussel species Perna picta.