oyster tools

[bsit1361]

I hunt where there used to be shell mounds. I know that oysters were a big part of the natives diet. My question is does anyone know what the tool was that they used to shuck oysters? I hope im not leaving artifacts on the ground thinking they are just big flakes. Any help would be appreciated. I know I havent been on here much lately and I have some nice stuff to post but Im still dealing with the repercussions of exposing are old site. (still dont think I gave enough info to do it though). Its been since november since I have been there and its has been real hard aquiring new sites.---Bsit

 

[Newt]

They used conch shell hammers.
Look at this link:
http://www.aboriginalantiquities.com/id9.html
Newt

 

[bsit1361]

thanks Newt. We dont find shells like that really where im at. Im working on a river that used to hold oysters but not anymore to speak of. We've never found conchs though, I do find a lot of weird bladlets though that could be worked flakes. I never take em home though. Most of them are curved also. Was wondering if they used any ston e tool to open em

 

[Th3rty7]

I've been told this piece was used to open mussels from a couple people, makes sense as it would be a handy pry tool.

 

[Neanderthal]

They didn't need any specialty tools to open mussels. I'm sure the natives were well aware that you only needed heat and they'll pop right open.

 

[joshuaream]

Most of the mussle shell middens I've dug also included charcoal and burnt shell, so I agree with Neanderthal that they probably just cooked them.

Oysters shell middens along the coast are generally the same although you do find some round hammerstones and corresponding broken shells where they would whack the hinge part of the shell and break it out.

On conch shell middens you find specialized tools used to break the third or fourth spiral at the tip. They would stick a bone or shell knife inside to cut the muscle that attaches it to the shell, and the 'foot' could then be pulled out and eaten. Here is one from in the caribbean.

Happy 4th to everyone.

 

[pickaway]

They didn't need any specialty tools to open mussels. I'm sure the natives were well aware that you only needed heat and they'll pop right open.

makes sense

 

[bsit1361]

Thanks guys. Informative as allways