Shell Microband Analysis as a Tool in New Zealand Archaeology

Abstract

Recent improvements in animal biology and microscopy now allow for finer-grained analyses of microstructures in archaeofaunal specimens than previously possible. Novel new applications of microscopy methods applied to in the intertidal New Zealand cockle (Austrovenus stutchburyi) species demonstrate a strong link between microbands and tidal and lunar cycles. The application of the technique has significant implications for high-precision seasonal and absolute dating in New Zealand archaeology. Applying the technique to a short-lived archaeological midden deposit from Wairau Bar demonstrates the time-of-death in archaeological samples can be calculated with much higher-precision than tools which are currently available in the temporal-dating suite. The method holds significant potential for sclerochronological, Bayseian applications in radiocarbon dating, and palaeoclimate analyses.