Temporality of fishery taskscapes on the north-central Gulf of Mexico coast (USA) during the Middle/Late Woodland period (AD 325–1040)

Abstract

This study examines the timing, tempo, and logic of fishery taskscapes at two Woodland villages (ca. AD 325–1040) on the north-central coast of the Gulf of Mexico (USA). A multi-proxy combination of zooarchaeological attributions, light stable isotope analyses, and related approaches reveals cyclical aspects of the temporality of taskscapes at these two non-farming communities, identifying which resources were collected when and where. Awareness of local diurnal tidal cycles and their influence on accessibility and distribution of near-shore resources, and the rationales for strategies employed by modern, nonindustrial fishers and shellfish gatherers add depth and complexity to our understanding of the daily rhythms of life for these villagers. During winter months, shellfishing efforts likely took advantage of the lowest tides of the year to harvest massive quantities of oysters in the late morning each day. Fishing efforts likely tracked with tidal cycles as well, targeting deeper water during the early morning ebb tide, and the shoreline zone during the evening flood tide. In the summer, shoreline fishing opportunities peaked during midday high tide, with shellfishing opportunities being less frequent and less productive overall. The temporality of these interrelated tasks documents a strategic knowledge of tides, currents, and local resources.