Shells in the Pits: Invertebrates at the Early Neolithic Site of Lapiás das Lameiras (Sintra, Portugal)

Abstract

[EN] Negative structures (pits), dated to the second half of the sixth millennium cal BC, have been documented at Lapiás das Lameiras (Sintra, Estremadura, Portugal), an open-air settlement in the Estremadura limestone area. Their sedimentary fill contains a large number of archaeological remains, of both biotic and abiotic origins. This paper presents the complete study of the invertebrates documented in these structures. Marine invertebrates living on a rocky substrate in the intertidal zone predominate: mainly molluscs (e.g. mussels), but also crustaceans (e.g. goose barnacles) are documented. Typical estuarine clams (e.g. Ruditapes decussatus) are less abundant. Gathering shellfish involved travelling to the coast, located today about 10 km from the site. Continental invertebrates are represented by land and fluvial molluscs. When compared with material from the Mesolithic period, the archaeofaunal study at Lameiras indicates continuity in the use of marine resources by the earliest Neolithic groups in the western Iberian Peninsula.