Utilization of cetaceans in shell mounds from the southern coast of Brazil

In Brazil, zooarchaeology is not well known, although imposing shell mounds dot the coast. Dating from 5020-2670 BP, the populations that deposited these shell mounds subsisted on hunting and gathering of several marine resources. Cetaceans were not the main source of food for the shell mound populations. Nevertheless, at least ten species were consumed. Individuals were equally divided between physically mature and immature, and marks left on the bones indicate anatomical knowledge. Further analysis of other shell mounds is necessary. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. All rights reserved.