Title: Original Contribution MOLLUSCS (Mollusca: Gastropoda, Bivalvia) FROM THE AZMASHKA MOUND, UPPER TRAKIA PLAIN, SOUTH BULGARIA
Abstract:A total of 73 mollusc shells from the Azmashka Mound, from the Neolithic and Eneolithic ages were studied. Two gastropod species: Helix figulina (50 specimens), Helix lucorum (escargot) (1 specimen) a...A total of 73 mollusc shells from the Azmashka Mound, from the Neolithic and Eneolithic ages were studied. Two gastropod species: Helix figulina (50 specimens), Helix lucorum (escargot) (1 specimen) and two bivalve (Bivalvia) species (one freshwater and one marine) – Unio pictorum (painter's mussel) (21 specimens) and Cerastoderma glaucum (lagoon cockle) (1 specimen) have been investigated. The gastropods found in the Azmashka Mound were probably not used as food source by the population. The relatively high share of naturally occurring Helix figulina shells indicated the presence of open fields with drought tolerant herbs and shrubs. The species Helix lucorum was represented by only one specimen that probably represented a worked up shell of unknown purpose, possibly a jewel. The freshwater species, Unio pictorum, was the commonest, and it was probably used as a foodstuff but also as a tool. The lines of effacing on the lower valve border clearly indicated that shells were moved transversely to their lengths, suggesting their use for mechanical abrasion of certain surfaces. The shell of the marine lagoon cockle Cerastoderma glaucum was used as a jewel, as evidenced by the opening in its upper part consequently to effacing.Read More
Publication Year: 2009
Publication Date: 2009-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 2
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