An account of some kjoekkenmoeddings, or shell-heaps, in Maine and Massachusetts

A quiet walk along the rocky shores of Maine and Massachusetts becomes a journey back in time, as the narrator guides listeners through the hidden world of ancient shell‑heaps. These mound‑like deposits, formed from centuries of clam, scallop and oyster remains, act as natural archives that preserve the everyday lives of the coastal peoples who once gathered there. By examining the layers of shells, animal bones and occasional stone tools, the work reveals how simple meals and seasonal camps left lasting traces on the landscape.

The account moves from the familiar waters of Frenchman’s Bay to the secluded islands of Gouldsboro, describing two distinct heaps that tell a story of changing environments and occupations. One heap shows a thick, decomposed layer of clamshells mixed with earth, while a later, darker stratum hints at vegetable mould and fresh deposits. Scattered deer, elk and beaver bones emerge alongside hints of primitive implements, offering listeners a vivid picture of how early inhabitants adapted to the sea and its bounty.