A shell midden is a heap of clam, oyster, whelk, or mussel shells, obviously, but unlike other types of sites, it is the result of a clearly recognizable single-activity event.

What was the purpose of shell middens?

Shell middens provide valuable information about Aboriginal use of the coast and can show changes in diet, behaviour, activities and settlement over the last 12,000 years. One of the most important features of midden places is that the shell can easily be dated using the radiocarbon method of dating.

What are Aboriginal shell middens?

Freshwater middens are accumulations of shell produced by Aboriginal people collecting, cooking and eating freshwater shellfish. Middens usually occur as fairly thin layers or small patches of shell. The shells usually come from both the freshwater mussel (Velesunio ambiguus) and river mussel (Alathyria jacksoni).