Molluscan fauna from site 4 of Tell Jenin (Northern West Bank - Palestine)

Abstract

Tell Jenin was the first archaeological site excavated in the area of West Bank (Palestine) by Birzeit University. Site 4 of this Tell covers many strata (from Late Neolithic to the recent past). The molluscan fauna accumulated during the Bronze Age. There is a dominance of freshwater and land snails over the Mediterranean shells. The ‘‘construction’’ phases (occupation) contain many more specimens than the ‘‘destruction’’ ones (abandonment) in each studied stratum of the site. This molluscan study identifies paleoclimatic variations in the prehistoric times. It also reflects the di erent patterns of trade exchange, food sources, and the use of molluscs as artifacts, including their use as ornaments, in traditional and ritual activities by the prehistoric man.