Investigations on Samples of Coprolites and Concreted Material from Brean Down, Somerset
Author(s): A K G Jones
Bronze Age coprolites and samples of amorphous concretedmaterial found in excavations at Brean Down, Somerset, were examined for parasite cysts and eggs (ova). The majority of the specimens did not contain parasite eggs and the balance of evidence suggests these samples were canine droppings. A few contained small numbers of eggsof Trichuris and Ascaris and a small number gave cysts of parasitic protozoa. The size of Trichuris ova suggested the eggs were from the human species, Trichuris trichiura. The results demonstrate that parasite ova can survive in a recognisable form within faecal concretions in Bronze Age deposits which are not continuously wet or waterlogged.
- Report Number:
- 146/1988
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 15
- Keywords:
- Animal Remains Coprolite
