Changing tastes: A review of Later Prehistoric and Norse-period marine mollusc exploitation in Scotland's Western Isles

Abstract

This paper examines the exploitation of marine molluscs in the Western Isles of Scotland, from the Bronze Age to Norse periods (2500 BCE - 1266 CE). Through analysis of shell assemblages from thirteen archaeological sites, we investigate changing shellfish exploitation practices across time and space. We consider whether these variations reflect
cultural preferences, local availability and environments, or evidence of unsustainable harvesting practices. The research examines not only dietary contributions but also explores potential non-food uses of shells, as well as providing insights into coastal environment exploitation. While limpets (Patella spp.) remained consistently important throughout much of prehistory, there was a notable shift toward periwinkles (Littorina littorea) beginning in the Late Iron Age and continuing into the Norse period. This transition appears to reflect a combination of cultural preferences and local ecological availability rather than simple resource depletion. The study highlights the value of standardized methodological approaches to shell analysis and the importance of considering individual and community agency in the interpretation of zooarchaeological assemblages