| Cod
Fish Ears?
Fish ear bones
are called otoliths.
These odd-shaped bones in the head serve as
balance organs for the fish. Archaeologist
find abundant Cod fish bones in Maine coastal
midden sites indicating that cod was an important
food resource for Native people.
As early as 1634 William
Wood published about Native American fishing
in New England's
Prospect:
They are very expert
in the trade of fishing. They are experienced
in the knowledge of all baits, using different
baits for the different fishes and different
seasons. They are familiar with the removal
of fishes, knowing when to fish in rivers,
and when at rocks, when in bays, and when
at sea.
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| Otoliths
form annual growth rings that scientists
section to determine the age of a fish,
when it became sexually active and even
sometimes where it has been. Information
contained in fish ears provides important
information not only for archaeologists
but also for fisheries management.
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