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.