Malacofauna emeritenseTaxonomía y usos documentados en dos recientes intervenciones practicadas en el solar del MNAR

Résumé

We present malacological materials found in two archaeological interventions carried out prior to the renovation and expansion of the building of the National Museum of Roman Art of Mérida. The specimens have been exhumed basically in two types of contexts. On the one hand, they are documented in residual situations, contained in large landfills that obliterate one of the defensive pits of the Colonia Augusta Emerita, located on the site. His interest lies in increasing knowledge about the diet of the citizens of the city, since several pieces of this type were intended for food consumption. On the other hand, materials have been found inside funerary deposits, included in a wide necropolis phase, which takes place since the 1st century AD. until the fourth century. Its symbolic meaning, associated with religious worship and magical-superstitious practices, is noteworthy. There are other specimens of pure aesthetic value, intended for use as pendants and other elements of personal adornment.