Mollusc Shells from Neolithic Contexts in the Lake Eyasi Basin, Northern Tanzania

Authors

Musa S. Mwitondi, Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35050, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Follow
Albert S. Mjandwa, Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35050, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Follow
Pastory M. Bushozi, Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35050, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Follow

Section

Biological Sciences

Abstract

The study of the Neolithic period in the Lake Eyasi Basin was dominated by attempts to formulate the area’s chronology, mobility, settlement patterns, subsistence, and cultural capabilities of Neolithic people as attested by domesticated animals, pottery, and lithic artefacts. Occasionally, studies on molluscs were mentioned, but rarely described in detail. Neolithic sites across the Lake Eyasi Basin have yielded remains of both terrestrial (gastropods) and freshwater mollusc shells (mussels). The abundance of mollusc shell remains in the archaeological records of the Lake Eyasi Basin have played a great role in chronological settings, mobility and community integrations, studies of settlement patterns, and other analyses. Mollusc remains have often been widely interpreted as a food supplement to other reliable food resources such as meat, vegetables and fish. Archaeological excavations and detailed analysis of the shells from Mumba rock shelter, Jangwani 3 and Laghangasimjega 2 have shown that molluscs played different roles. They were effectively used in tool manufacturing, as practical implements for handling objects, as scraping tools, as harpoons for fishing weapons, and sometimes for symbolism and in rituals. Terrestrial and freshwater molluscs coexisted in the Lake Eyasi Basin and were utilised equally by the Neolithic people during the Mid-Holocene period. Keywords: Mollusc shells, Neolithic, Lake Eyasi Basin, Northern Tanzania.

Recommended Citation

Mwitondi, Musa S.; Mjandwa, Albert S.; and Bushozi, Pastory M. (2021) "Mollusc Shells from Neolithic Contexts in the Lake Eyasi Basin, Northern Tanzania," Tanzania Journal of Science: Vol. 47: Iss. 3, Article 19.
Available at:https://doi.org/10.4314/tjs.v47i3.19