Column Samples

Barnacles Found on the Gorge today

Another method of analyzing faunal remains is conducting column sample studies. A column sample is a section, about 30 cm x 30 cm, removed from an excavation unit , that is bagged and tested in the lab. By using column samples, archaeologists obtain an accurate account of what the people ate at the site.

Glossary terms: Column Sample, Excavation Unit.

The shellfish present in the column samples at the Kosapsom archaeological site came from a variety of marine areas, but those from sheltered waters (calm, muddy) seem to be the most common. Native oysters, edible mussels and some species of clams prefer the sheltered waters of the Gorge. The California mussels and large barnacles found in this area prefer the fast flowing water, and rocky areas of the Gorge. Today, mussels and barnacles cling to the concrete walls of the Gorge waterfront. 2000 years ago, however, they were not as common.

Native Oyster Indigenous to Victoria

Japanese Oyster Commonly mistaken as Native Oyster

Bittiums Scattered in all levels

The use of shellfish as a food substance was very popular during the period of human occupation at the traditional village site, Kosapsom. Native oyster and edible mussel were the main species collected. Only a small amount of clam is present, dominated by littleneck and cockle clams. Bittiums are the most scattered shell in all levels. It is believed that they were not collected as a source of food, but collected because they had attached themselves to other harvested shells.

Littorina Found among the Bittiums

The bulk of the shellfish found at the Kosapsom archaeological site were most likely collected from the protected waters of the Gorge, brought back to Kosapsom and subsequently deposited.

Edible Mussel Also known as Bay Mussel

California Mussel Used in Tool Use

Shellfish Results

Bivalves represent 91 - 98% of shell component by weight (mussels, clams, and oyster). Univalves represent < 1% of shell component by weight (barnacles, sea urchin).

Glossary terms: Bivalve, Univalve.

Sea Urchin Eaten raw & swallowed without chewing

Cockle Clam Third highest bivalve