Abstract

Size and growth-line analyses were carried out on 586 hard clam (Meretrix petechialis) from the Neolithic Age Daejuk-ri Shell Midden, Seosan-si, Korea, to examine the gathering patterns of the past. The maximum shell length of the clam was distributed between 33.81-70.54 mm. The age of the clam ranged from 2 to 5 years. The sizes and ages of the collected hard clams varied, so it seems that there was no preference for a specific size and age. 578 (98.6%) out of 586 specimens represented spring while 8 (1.4%) specimens represented summer collection, suggesting that they were collected intensively in spring when food resources were scarce and they were in season.