Marine shells from archaeological excavations at Chalcolithic Smintheion (Gülpınar)

This master?s thesis aims to examine the marine shells recovered from archaeological excavations undertaken at the Chalcolithic site of Smintheion (Gülpınar) dating between 5200 and 4800 BC in nortwestern Turkey. By systematically analyzing this marine shell assemblage consisting of nearly 7000 pieces identified in the field seasons from 2004 and 2010 at Smintheion (Gülpınar), this thesis first concentrates on how the prehistoric settlers of this site might have benefited from marine shells to support their diet. Secondly, this thesis examines the ways how the shells left from food used for secondary products such as tools and ornaments. The use of seahells as a food source dates back to as early as the Paleolithic times in archaeology. Among nearly 7000 marine shells from Smintheion, 121 specimen represent worked shells. Of these 121 worked shells, 9 specimens are identified as tools on the basis of theis functional analyses, while the remaing 112 specimens are ornaments. The tools and ornamens made of marine shells barely appear in the archaeological record. The fact sthat the beads, necklaces, and tools made from marine shells of edible varieties can be accepted as evidence to show that marine shells gathered from shalow waters in bays near the site of Smintheion (Gülpınar) were first used to supplement diet and the shells left from food used to manufacture tools and ornaments. In light of the minimal number of archaeological studies conducted on marine shells, it is hoped that this master?s thesis will be a good contribution to the Anatolian archaeology.