The role of shellfish in human subsistence during the Mesolithic of Atlantic Europe: An approach from meat yield estimations

In spite of the increased number investigations Mesolithic period in Atlantic Europe, including studies that have focused on reconstructing human diets, information about role shellfish subsistence strategies is still very limited. this study, an experimental programme to collect modern molluscs was carried out northern Iberia over a three-year order establish meat yield four main species recovered from archaeological sites coastal area. The resulting dataset enabled accurate estimates shell remains midden deposits El Mazo cave (Asturias, N Spain). Results show mollusc contributed at least 20% obtained ungulates. This value notably higher than previous studies, showing had more important previously recognised. contribution relative ungulates would be even if were based identified bone remains, instead minimum individuals, which subjective method and tends overestimate amount mammal consumed by populations. any case, independently methodology applied, our data greater dietary importance during published for Europe.