Paper short abstract:

Here we report on worked Nassarius spp. and Oliva spp. shells recovered from Jerimalai, Lene Hara, and Matju Kuru 1 & 2 (Timor-Leste), and which date back to the Terminal Pleistocene. Analysis of technological and residue traces reveals insights into changing ornament traditions.

Paper long abstract:

With recognition of the early Holocene antiquity of marine shell beads in Island Southeast Asia only recently occurring, we become aware of how little is really known regarding this enigmatic class of material culture. Here we report on worked Nassarius spp. and Oliva spp. shells recovered from the Timorese sites of Jerimalai, Lene Hara, and Matju Kuru 1 & 2, and which date back to the Terminal Pleistocene. Analysis of manufacturing traces, use wear and residues apparent on these shell artefacts reveals significant insights into changing ornament traditions in this region. In the case of the Nassarius shell beads, they were most likely used as appliqués attached to a textile or other woven items (such as baskets), and are the first mid-Holocene shell appliqués to be identified in this region. In fact, they are only the second example of this technology at this antiquity identified in the world. For the Oliva spp. shell beads, a longer and possibly more complex tradition of ornament use is identified.