Beyond Disease: The Archaeological Significance of Parasites

Conference Paper

Abstract

Microscopic evidence of intestinal parasites have been recovered from 11 of 15 shell midden sites examined in the Namu region of the Central Coast. Eggs representing 4 genera and dating over 6000 years old were identified from midden sediment that had been excavated in auger samples. The paper will demonstrate that parasites are a valuable line of archaeological evidence, with broad interpretive value. Aside from health, the genera recovered are indicators of environmental conditions, site ecology, and food choice/preparation. Difference in the density and variety of parasites between sites is considered evidence of human population density, site use and seasonality.