Archaeologists uncover old jewellery in Morocco: 09-05-2008
Shells used to embellish fine clothing 85,000 years ago have been found in a cave in eastern Morocco.
According to the Moroccan Ministry for Culture, the Nassarius gibbosulus shells would have been worn by prehistoric man.
The discovery was made by a team lead by archaeology and heritage institute (INSAP) member Abdeljalil Bouzouggar and Nick Barton from Oxford University.
They had already found 14 perforated shells in the same cave in 2007, and stumbled upon a further 20 between March and April this year.
"This discovery shows that the making and use of objects of finery is very anchored in the traditions of Morocco's prehistoric people," Mr Bouzouggar said, AFP reports.
The cave in question is known as the 'cave of pigeons' and is 30 metres deep and ten metres high.
It lies around 50km from the Mediterranean Sea.
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