Calling all malacoarchaeologists/archaeomalacologists*!

Posted January 13, 2003

Dear Archaemalacologists among the ConchLers,

Newsletter No. 3 of "The Archaeo+Malacology Group Newsletter" (formerly "The Malaco+Archaeology Group Newsletter") has just been published by the coordinator: Janet Ridout Sharpe.
Those wishing to receive a copy by means of E-mail should contact Janet at:

j.ridout-sharpe@cabi.org

All malacologists working on molluscs from archaeological sites are invited to join the group (free of charge).

Posted March 31, 2001

'Malacoarchaeology/Archaeomalacology*' is the study of molluscan remains from archaeological sites. One of its prime functions is the reconstruction of past environments: ' the species represented can show the change from woodland to grassland, landscape impoverishment through overgrazing and erosion, and the presence of permanent water sources where today there are none. And much more besides. In addition, shells can provide information on what people ate in the past and how they decorated themselves, and even give some insight into their customs and religious beliefs.

Are you interested in this aspect of malacology/conchology?

Malacoarchaeology/Archaeomalacology* is a relatively new field of study and there is a lot of exciting work to be done. A small group of us is looking for kindred spirits with a view to forming an informal Malacoarchaeology/Archaeomalacology* Group as a means of exchanging information and keeping in touch. Who knows, we may even run to a newsletter with details of forthcoming conferences and current research. If you would like to join us, do please get in touch. Depending on the response, we'll take it from there!

Please write to: Janet Ridout Sharpe, 66 Radnor Road, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 0PH (e-mail: j.ridout-sharpe@cabi.org).