![Cut-away section of a midden showing shell layers.](http://static.sciencelearn.org.nz/images/images/000/001/773/full/Excavation-of-a-midden20160826-15379-op0cjn.jpg?1674166819)
A cut-away section of a midden showing shell layers. This archaeological excavation shows the layers of shells, ash and bones that typically make up a midden. This midden had been covered by a layer of soil after it had ceased to be used as a rubbish dump.