Journal article
The Undervalued Black Katy Chitons (Katharina Tunicata) as a Shellfish Resource on the Northwest Coast of North America
Journal of Northwest anthropology, Vol.49(1), pp.13-25
2015
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000006331
Abstract
From the earliest movements of people onto the Northwest Coast of North America, black Katy chitons (Katharina tunicate) probably provided an important source of animal protein, as well as vitamin A and calcium. Archaeological studies often under-recognize their sometimes substantial contributions to the shellfish diet. A review of the ethnographic literature suggests their importance on the central and north coast; findings include a wide variety of recipes as a special meal, naming of high rank nobility “chiton,” and the very creation of women and all humans in some oral histories. This Native importance may reflect the deep-rooted transformation of this basic resource that helped support the First Peoples. Archaeologist may need to expand their bi-valve studies to better include the contribution of this eight valve/plate mollusk.
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Details
- Title
- The Undervalued Black Katy Chitons (Katharina Tunicata) as a Shellfish Resource on the Northwest Coast of North America
- Creators
- Dale R. Croes (Author) - Washington State University, Anthropology, Department of
- Publication Details
- Journal of Northwest anthropology, Vol.49(1), pp.13-25
- Academic Unit
- Anthropology, Department of
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Identifiers
- 99901095940501842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article