Some Archaeological Uses of Fish Remains

Abstract

Abstract The remains of fishes are a commonly encountered item in many archaeological sites, yet a thorough utilization of all the relevant information inherent in this material is rarely made by the archaeologist. Certain salient characteristics of the growth and ecology of fishes are presented. Examples are included using archaeological fish remains to indicate or substantiate such things as seasonal dating, absolute dating, estimates of prehistoric food resource locations, and environmental change. Examples will be presented from western North America and southern France.