Miocene shells in Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age burials in Poland

Abstract

AbstractThe present study provides an archaeological interpretation of shell assemblages from Neolithic and Early Bronze Age burials found in Poland based on the identification of fossil shell type and provenience. The taxonomic identification of shells directly points to their source of procurement, which facilitates the understanding of why only some societies used shell ornaments and why only certain species were selected for use in this way. Focusing on artefacts, we present the results of standard methods of analysis used in archaeomalacological research. Strontium isotope analysis 87Sr/86Sr was furthermore applied in the cases for which the exact recognition of species was impossible based on standard methods. The research shows that for the periods discussed, one can observe both the phenomena of the transfer of prestigious objects (Quaternary shells obtained from the Mediterranean) and the transmission of ideas with subsequent local adaptation (the use of local Miocene fossil shells similarly to Quaternary Mediterranean shells). The shells constitute a part of the Neolithic tradition of body ornamentation seen during this period across Europe. The study indicates that fossil shells were only used by some of the communities inhabiting the area of southern Poland in the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age and suggests chronological and regional differentiation.