Lal-lo and Gattaran Shell Middens

The Lal-lo and Gattaran Shell Middens are archaeological sites along the Cagayan River containing thick layers of freshwater clam shells mixed with ancient tools and pottery. The deposits lie scattered across hilltops and riverbanks in this remote valley area.

These sites developed from 2000 BC to 100 AD, showing how people lived across many centuries in the Cagayan Valley. The layered deposits reveal gradual shifts in how communities settled and used the river landscape over time.

The pottery pieces found here feature patterns on both inner and outer surfaces, showing how ancient residents expressed their craft skills. These objects tell us something about how people valued decoration in their everyday lives.

These sites are located in a protected landscape with limited facilities, so check conditions before visiting. The terrain is hilly and can be slippery, especially during the rainy season.

The shell deposits contain enormous quantities of Batissa childreni specimens, a freshwater clam that was a major food source for ancient communities. In some places the clam layers reach depths of over 6 feet (2 meters), revealing how important this resource was to survival.