Olivella shells from Kansas archaeological sites

Olivella shells found in prehistoric archaeological sites in the Great Plains can be indicators of social contact and exchange. However, because different species o/Olivella shells occur in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and because both were transported great distances by prehistoric people, precise species identification is necessary. Eighteen Olivella shells from Kansas archaeological sites are identified as being a Pacific Ocean species, Olivella dama, and reaffirms postulated trade ties between the Plains and Southwestern pueblos. The identification of an Atlantic species—Olivella nivea—from the Early Ceramic Woodruff ossuary raises questions regarding either its identification or the nature of social contacts during that time period.