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Mussel remains from prehistoric salt works, clarke county, Alabama

January 1, 2010

Archaeological research at salt springs in Clarke County, AL (Tombigbee River drainage), documented bivalve mollusk exploitation by late prehistoric American Indians. A total of 582 valves representing 19 species of freshwater mussels (Unionidae) and an estuarine clam (Mactridae) from the Lower Salt Works Site (ca. A.D. 900-1550) and 41 valve fragments representing 6 mussel species from the Stimpson Site (ca. A.D. 1200-1550) were documented. The Lower Salt Works fauna was dominated numerically by Fusconaia ebena and Quadrula asperata, the dominant species reported during recent local surveys. The mussel species represented are known from medium to large streams in sand and gravel habitats and include four federally protected species and other species of conservation concern in Alabama. Results offer comparative data for other archaeological and ecological studies in the region.

Publication Year 2010
Title Mussel remains from prehistoric salt works, clarke county, Alabama
DOI 10.1656/058.009.0109
Authors S.W. McGregor, A.A. Dumas
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Southeastern Naturalist
Index ID 70037296
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse