Bryozoans in Archaeology

Abstract

Bryozoans (Phylum Bryozoa) are colony-forming invertebrates found in marine and freshwater contexts. Many are calcified, while some others have chitinous buds, and so have archaeological potential, yet they are seldom investigated, perhaps due to considerable difficulties with identification. This article presents an overview of bryozoans, as well as summarising archaeological contexts in which bryozoans might be expected to occur, and highlighting some previous work. It also presents methods and directions to maximise the potential of bryozoans in archaeological investigations.

Keywords

• Bryozoans
• experimental archaeology
• palaeoecology
• biological remains
• marine shells
• freshwater sediments
• marine sediments