New paradigms in the exploitation of Mesolithic shell middens in Atlantic France: The example of Beg-er-Vil, Brittany

The Atlantic coast of north-west France is one the classic shell-midden regions European Mesolithic, made famous by excavations Téviec and Hoedic in first half 20th century. At this time, there was a lack interest food refuse component shell middens. By end 1990s new study methods techniques had also contributed to better description varied activities these coastal populations. In France, have demonstrated that middens are not site type but rather variety stratigraphic units make up total settlement pattern. Our perception Mesolithic hunter-gatherers French has now changed from population pre-occupied with day-to-day survival forced eat shellfish out necessity, fisher-hunter-gatherers involved activities. Their knowledge marine biotopes revealed diversity animals dedicated food, collection other raw materials washed on beach , including flint or shells devoid flesh. latter give us access symbolic sphere were clearly carefully selected for ornamental purposes.