Achaeometrical Research in Hungary II., 1988

ENVIRONMENT - Levente FŰKÖH: The role of malacological examinations in arheology

Levente FŰKÖH THE ROLE OF MALACOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS IN ARCHEOLOGY Abstract: In this study, an attempt was made to provide a comprehensive picture concerning methods carried out with the help of using the Quaternary molluscan fauna found at archaeological sites. Malacological material recovered from the sediment may yield information, that can be of help in tracing the circumstances of sedimentation, the one-time vegetation of the locality and its environment, the biostratigraphic position of the sediments and the role of people in transforming the environment. Introduction During the last few years, the application of results obtained by so-called interdisciplinary sciences has increased in Hungarian archaeology. Previously, experts were content with studying classical anthropogenic findings (e.g. personal belongings, attire, cultic artefacts, anthropological and other mammalian osteological finds) brought to light by archaeological excavations. Nowadays, increasingly complex examinations are required by the development of science. The technical study of archaeological materials became a fundamental requirement. Archaeologists strive to obtain a great variety of information concerning the environmental context and to fully expose the information content of deposits. Therefore, the archaeological examination of malacological materials has also become possible by investigations during the last few years. In this paper, the results of Holocene malacology and the applicability of this discipline in archaeology will be discussed. In the case of faunal examinations time factor is the question that always arises. One must keep in mind, that the static view of present faunas is useless. Environmental conditions experienced to date represent only a phase of development. In the case of animals whose fossil remains abound in different sedimentary formations, and thus can be collected in great quantity, a dynamic faunal evaluation is indispensable. From this point of view, gastropods are of great importance. Their shells are excellently fossilised and occur in enormous masses. It is for this reason that this animal group is widely used in faunal evaluations. Studying their relative abundance is essential in palaeoecological and biostratigraphical examinations. Research has shown that important environmental changes took place during the Quaternary Period. The purpose of investigating Quaternary formations is to outline the development of our present day fauna. A great number of data is required for this type of examinations. Hungary is in excellent position from this point of view, since faunal investigations of this type have been carried here for over a century (FŰKÖH, KROLOPP and SÜMEGI 1995). Characteristic features of the Quaternary molluscan fauna are well-known as a result of investigations during the last decades. The next task is to carry out chronological and biostratigraphic ranking within this malacological data base. Pleistocene molluscan faunas in Hungary were classified into faunal phases by Krolopp (1973). Subsequently, his work included the biostratigraphic ranking of the Pleistocene (Oppel-zones; 1983). In addition to the five Pleistocene faunal phases, Krolopp mentioned a sixth, characterised by the occurrence of three drought-resistant Mediterranean species. This latter faunal phase was dated to the Holocene. Comprehensive investigations of malacological materials representing the last ten thousand years 205'