Full bibliography

The DExPO Project (Dolphin Exploitation in Prehistoric Oman), conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Natural History Museum of Oman, investigates the role of cetaceans within the coastal economies of southeastern Arabia from the Late Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age. This paper presents the results of a study on the marine mammal assemblages from Ras al-Hadd (HD-1, HD-2, HD-5) and Ras al-Jinz (RJ-2, RJ-3). Dolphin bones form a substantial yet understudied part of the faunal record. Over 570 diagnostic elements—mainly vertebrae, cranial, and flipper bones—were recorded using a dedicated analytical protocol for cetacean remains in the region. The identification of skeletal elements and species was aided by modern reference materials at the NHM Oman. Anatomical, biogeographic, and taphonomic factors complicate identification, so the adopted protocol integrates a suite of bone measurements statistically discriminating between species. Additionally, taphonomic marks such as traces of combustion and butchery were documented. The integrated analytical results support the hypothesis of a selective targeting of small-sized delphinids, likely Stenella spp., indicating that dolphin procurement was not opportunistic but structured and recurrent. These practices appear to have been seasonally patterned and closely linked to the ecological dynamics of lagoonal and open-sea environments. Moreover, evidence suggests dolphin remains were systematically used in fire production. This research highlights the emergence of specialised maritime economies and strategic exploitation across diverse coastal environments.

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