Processed gastropods transformed into personal adornments were discovered in several prehistoric settlements at the Lower Danube. These archaeological sites include both local and exotic species most likely procured through inter-community exchange networks. Most were simply perforated and worn in necklaces or bracelets and only a few were sewn on garments as appliqués. In order to identify the costs invested in the manufacturing of this type of items, both in point of time and in point of effort, we have developed an experimental program, allowing us to record all the variables (raw material aquisition, technological stages, time recorded for each operation, tools used, evolution of the wear following the usage etc.). Finally, the items were put together in adornments, tracking the evolution of the surface wear and of the perforation, which would allow us an evaluation of the use of archaeological pieces.
Shell gastropods as prehistoric adornments at the Lower Danube: archaeological and experimental data (Author: Monica Mărgărit), in: M. Mărgărit, A. Boroneanț (eds.), Recreating artefacts and ancient skills: from experiment to interpretation, Cetatea de Scaun, 2022, p. 163-182
