This week I was searching for new Mesolithic/Neolithic sites/scatters, with some success. Amongst the blades and cores I found this piece of oyster shell, which seems to scream projectile point.
I am accustomed to finding oyster shells on roman sites, but this field had zero signs of roman occupation and that would be unusual, as they always left pottery signs on their sites.
It is located near Salisbury in England, some 30 miles inland from the sea, so no sea connection. Nor is it fossilised.
The shape is as found, but if it is a fluke due to plough damage then I would not be surprised; but the notched base to the single barb seems to suggest fabrication rather then plough impact ?
I have never heard of shell points before, but then we don't see any bone or antler harpoon points where I live/collect. They were ubiquitous during the Mesolithic and yet they simply don't survive in our soil conditions; not that they were not used here. So it could be that shell points were used and in most soils have perished !
Any information/thoughts ....cheers Nick
I am accustomed to finding oyster shells on roman sites, but this field had zero signs of roman occupation and that would be unusual, as they always left pottery signs on their sites.
It is located near Salisbury in England, some 30 miles inland from the sea, so no sea connection. Nor is it fossilised.
The shape is as found, but if it is a fluke due to plough damage then I would not be surprised; but the notched base to the single barb seems to suggest fabrication rather then plough impact ?
I have never heard of shell points before, but then we don't see any bone or antler harpoon points where I live/collect. They were ubiquitous during the Mesolithic and yet they simply don't survive in our soil conditions; not that they were not used here. So it could be that shell points were used and in most soils have perished !
Any information/thoughts ....cheers Nick
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