Mollusc collection and Holocene palaeogeographical evolution in a southwestern iberian estuary: Statistical analysis of the early Holocene Cañada Honda shell midden (SW Spain)
Fernández Pérez, Livia; Ruiz Muñoz, Francisco; Gómez Álvarez, Gabriel; Muñoz Pichardo, Juan Manuel; Rodríguez Vidal, Joaquín; Cáceres Puro, Luis Miguel; Gómez Gutiérrez, Paula; Toscano Grande, Antonio; Arroyo Serrano, Marta; Romero Aguilar, Verónica
The malacological analysis of the Cañada Honda shell midden (Tinto-Odiel estuary, SW Spain) has allowed an
approximation of the palaeo biodiversity of this sector during the Mesolithic. During this period, the progressive
marine transgression caused the flooding of this estuary, coinciding with an initial intensive capture of the bivalves
Lutraria and Ruditapes decussatus in the northern and southern sector of this site, respectively. In a second
phase, Ruditapes decussatus was the main collected species in all sectors. This last period coincided with some
diversification in catches, still dominated by Ruditapes decussatus but with significant proportions of Cerastoderma
edule. This stage witnessed a progressive sedimentary filling of the estuary and the creation of marshes and
barrier islands. The almost total fragmentation of the specimens would imply that the surface of this shell midden
was exposed for a long time while in use. In addition, an occasional charring of some molluscs has been detected.
The main molluscs of this site are also the most abundant in other later shell middens (~cal 5.2–4 kyr BP),
indicating an important perpetuation of the collecting and/or eating habits in this environment. All the species
determined in them are also currently found in this estuary and its surroundings, where they are also captured.
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