Shells (Paperback)

Cheryl Claassen

ISBN 10: 0521578523 / ISBN 13: 9780521578523

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1998

About this Item

Paperback. Cheryl Claassen offers an authoritative, readable and clear guide to the study of shells, which is addressed to students and professional archaeologists and palaeontologists. She considers the history of archaeological interest in shells, the biology of freshwater and marine molluscs, and critically discusses current techniques, methods, and research problems. Drawing on examples worldwide, and covering prehistoric and historic periods, among the topics covered are: is shell deposit natural or cultural? How long do shells last? What can shells tell us about the environmental characteristics and ancient habitats or about the people who collected them? What symbolic roles have shells served in human societies? This is a well balanced account, and all aspects of the subject are clearly represented. Addressed to students and professional archaeologists and palaeontologists, Shells offers an encyclopaedic treatment of the subject. It covers the history of archaeological interest in shells, the biology of freshwater and marine molluscs, and critically discusses current techniques, methods, and research problems. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780521578523

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Shells (Paperback)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
• Publication Date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521578523
• ISBN 13: 9780521578523
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

This book is an encyclopedic treatment of shell analysis with material suitable for students and professional archaeologists and paleontologists. It covers the history of archaeological interest in shells, the biology of freshwater and marine mollusks, and critically discusses current techniques, methods, and research problems. What can shells tell us about the environmental characteristics and ancient habitats or about the people who collected them? These and other fascinating questions are raised in this authoritative, accessible text.

Review

"...both Claassen and Cambridge Press are to be commended to their devotion to providing the archaeological community with such a useful volume." Journal of Middle Atlantic Archaeology