The first investigation of an Iron Age shell midden in Oman: The Naf¯un complex

The Naf¯un shell midden complex is a cluster of eight shell mounds in al-Wusṭ¯a Governorate (south-central Oman). Located 40 km north of Duqm, the shell midden is part of a unique cultural landscape encompassing a variety of archaeological features. With a total of 207 recorded archaeological sites, the Naf¯un area emerges as a significant site for studying the Early and Late Iron Age communities in south-central Oman. The first investigations of the shell midden were conducted between 2019 and 2022. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal samples from the site provided a date range of 1012–536 BCE (cal. 2σ), aligning with the Iron Age II (1000–600 BCE) material culture. Together with stratigraphic observations, this indicates that the midden was intermittently occupied for at least 500 years. Additional evidence indicates that there was also activity in the area during the Late Iron Age, evidenced by the presence of a large rock art site, circular stone burial mounds and numerous clusters of trilith stone monuments along the wadi Naf¯un route, with a source of drinking water 3 km from the coast. Such findings underscore the importance of Naf¯un as a significant site for enduring socio-economic and cultural contacts, strategically located at the mouth of the wadi that connects with the Indian Ocean. The effective utilisation of marine resources by the local communities not only supported their economic and subsistence needs but also fostered strong economic, social and cultural connections with the inland regions. Furthermore, it facilitated their active engagement in long-distance trade and interactions along the coastal areas. The unique combination of sites and the fusion of elements from both northern Oman and Dhofar make Naf¯un an intriguing and, so far, undocumented intersection along the long-distance routes connecting the northern and southern cultural circles.