Archaeomalacology of the Iron Age Site of Muweilah: Taphonomy and Sustenance Assessment

Abstract

Archaeomalacology, the study of mollusk remains from archaeological contexts, provides key insights into past human-environment interactions, including resource use, technology, and cultural practices. The present study examines over 40,000 mollusk remains from the Iron Age II site of Muweilah (northern United Arab Emirates), offering a rare perspective on marine resource use in an inland desert settlement. The assemblage was analyzed with respect to taxonomy, morphometry, and taphonomy to reconstruct patterns of collection, processing, and use, as well as environmental constraints. Intra-site variation was assessed using quantitative and diversity measures across excavation contexts and compared with other Southeast Arabian sites. Results show selective exploitation of a limited range of food species, with processing and cooking practices strongly influencing preservation alongside shell morphology. Non-dietary use was limited: most bivalves were likely collected post-mortem, while larger gastropods were occasionally used for ornamentation or as containers. Smaller species may have arrived incidentally. Spatial analyses reveal clear intra-site differentiation corresponding to architectural divisions. Notably, the columned hall (Building II) is marked by high oyster frequencies and low species diversity, whereas other areas show greater diversity dominated by Marcia cordata, indicating functionally distinct spaces. Regional comparisons highlight strong similarity with nearby coastal sites. In contrast, assemblages from Oman and the eastern Gulf reflect greater variability, reflecting environmental and cultural influences. Taken together, the findings demonstrate how inland communities integrated coastal resources to mitigate subsistence risk while participating in wider networks of mobility and exchange. At the same time, intra-site variation points to structured spatial organization and potentially socially differentiated activity areas. The study underscores the value of archaeomalacological evidence for understanding adaptation, subsistence, and regional connectivity in Southeast Arabia.