Shell Midden from the Batanes Excavations

Abstract

Midden shell was present at a number of the sites excavated in the Batanes during the course of this project. While sample sizes and states of preservation are highly variable, the variety in terms of site type, geographic location, and chronology allows for a summary overview of shellfish exploitation throughout the prehistoric sequence of the Batanes Islands. Drawing upon these variables, we will situate each assemblage within its spatio-temporal context and compare and contrast midden shell deriving from different islands, different geographic situations (e.g. sea caves, inland shelters, open sites) and different time periods. The Batanes shell samples and analytical approaches Due largely to taphonomic factors, molluscan remains were not recovered from all sites excavated in the Batanes. Some sites, such as Sunget, had very small samples of only a handful of shells or shell fragments, and such samples are not dwelt upon in discussions here. Sites that produced enough shell to warrant detailed analysis and discussion are presented in Table 12.1. For sites that produced shell, there is variability in how much of the excavated sample was studied. For excavations where time and expertise was available for on-site analysis, the entirety of the excavated shell sample was studied. Where there were logistical or other constraints, shell midden deposits were sub-sampled using a variety of strategies. Table 12.1. The analysed samples of Batanes shell midden.