Shells with epiphragms in an Upper Capsian rammadiya at Kef Ezzahi (Central Tunisia): a local food tradition?

Abstract

Terrestrial snails gathered for consumption are found in large quantities at Capsian and Neolithic sites in Tunisia. Signs of preparation and consumption practices (cooking, piercing the shells) are frequent. At the same time, there are some unique finds, which could be related to a local culinary or cultural practice. The discovery of shells with epiphragms in the Upper Capsian (7710 ± 40 BP) rammadiya of Kef Ezzahi is the only known case in North Africa. All of the shells can be attributed to Sphincterochila candidissima. Ethnographic data suggests that the presence of shells with calcified epiphragms could be connected with a culinary tradition. Since shells with epiphragms have been identified only at Kef Ezzahi, this can be regarded as a local dietary practice, as is the case for the eating of Cantareus apertus with epiphragms in northern Tunisia today. The position of the epiphragm at the peristome in these specimens is consistent with collection at the beginning of aestivation (April- July).