Para español, seleccione de la lista

Artifact

Pond Turtle

Pond Turtle

Common Name: Pond turtle

Scientific Name: Emydidae

Several specimens of pond turtle (Emydidae) have been recovered at Mission San Luis. These likely came from local streams or rivers where residents fished and hunted animals that congregate around water. Pond turtles are also a favorite meal of alligators.

Notes:

Animal Used at Mission San Luis

The study of plant and animals from sites (ethnobotany and zooarchaeology, respectively) is one of the most illuminating aspects of archaeological research. It can reveal details about past environments, resources, settlement patterns, agricultural practices, architecture, social life, and diet unavailable from other types of data.

Since plant remains are so fragile and often difficult to see, we have limited their display to a static exhibit case format (see "Apalachee Life"). However, we have selected some animal bones found at Mission San Luis, along with comparative skeletal materials (Drawers 17-26), to give to a sense of the challenges faced by those researchers who identify, analyze, and interpret these materials.

We have supplemented the skeletal materials with archaeological and documentary information about the use of these animals in Spanish Florida and at Mission San Luis.

Suggested Readings

Return to Collections Page