1
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Lundy J, Bondetti M, Lucquin A, Talbot HM, Murakami N, Nakayama S, Harada M, Suzuki M, Endo E, Stevens C, Crema ER, Craig OE, Shoda S. Culinary continuity in central Japan across the transition to agriculture. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2024; 16:97. [PMID: 38854990 PMCID: PMC11156723 DOI: 10.1007/s12520-024-01992-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Rice and millet arrived in Western Japan from Korea around 3,000 years ago and spread eastwards across the archipelago in the next 700 years. However, the extent to which agriculture transformed traditional Jōmon hunter-gatherer-fisher communities is debated. Central Japan is a key area of study as remodelling of radiocarbon dates shows a slowdown in the dispersal rate of rice agriculture in this area. Here, we examine and compare the use of pottery by Final Jōmon and Early to Middle Yayoi communities in the Tōkai and the Central Highland regions of central Japan, using lipid residue analysis. Although the identification of specific biomarkers for rice remains elusive, an increase in the ratio of E/H C18 APAAs with the arrival of rice and millet indicates a potential change in plant processing and consumption. We were also able to identify biomarkers for broomcorn millet (miliacin) in both Final Jōmon and Yayoi pottery. However, evidence for millet consumption is sparse and in all cases was likely mixed with wild hunted and foraged foods. We conclude therefore that, despite the introduction of rice and millet agriculture in central Japan, pre-existing diets and culinary habits of Jōmon hunter-gatherers remain important. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12520-024-01992-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Lundy
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, YO10 5ND UK
| | - Manon Bondetti
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, YO10 5ND UK
| | - Alexandre Lucquin
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, YO10 5ND UK
| | - Helen M. Talbot
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, YO10 5ND UK
| | - Natsuki Murakami
- Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Nara, 630-8577 Japan
| | - Seiji Nakayama
- Research Institute of Cultural Properties, Teikyo University, Yamanashi, 406-0032 Japan
| | - Motoki Harada
- Aichi Asahi Site Museum, Kiyosu, Aichi 452-0932 Japan
| | - Miho Suzuki
- Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Nara, 630-8577 Japan
| | - Eiko Endo
- Centre for Obsidian and Lithic Studies, Meiji University, Tokyo, 101-8301 Japan
| | - Chris Stevens
- McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3ER UK
| | - Enrico R. Crema
- McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3ER UK
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3DZ UK
| | - Oliver E. Craig
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, YO10 5ND UK
| | - Shinya Shoda
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, YO10 5ND UK
- Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Nara, 630-8577 Japan
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2
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Debels P, Drieu L, Chiquet P, Studer J, Malergue A, Martignac L, Champion L, Garnier A, Fichet V, Sall M, Regert M, Mayor A. Investigating grandmothers' cooking: A multidisciplinary approach to foodways on an archaeological dump in Lower Casamance, Senegal. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295794. [PMID: 38809808 PMCID: PMC11135772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Because they hold information about cultural identity, foodways have been the focus of a variety of disciplines in archaeology. However, each approach documents different stages of culinary preparation and is constrained by the preservation specificities of each type of artefact and ecofact. Difficulties in achieving an interdisciplinary approach may explain the scarcity of such studies. In this paper, we propose a methodology that combines archaeozoological, carpological and microbotanical analysis of ecofacts retrieved in the sediment, with use-alteration, organic residue and microbotanical analysis carried out on pottery vessels, recovered during the excavation of a XXth century archaeological dump site in Lower Casamance (Senegal). The results demonstrate the strength of this multiproxy approach in reconstructing past foodways by characterising the importance of aquatic, terrestrial animals and plant products in the Diola Kassa diet. In addition, this study questions the modalities of food transformation by assessing the preparation techniques of animal and vegetal products (cutting marks, heating processes etc.) and the function of pottery vessels (transport, storage, cooking etc.). Aquatic products and rice were a significant part of the diet of the users of the dump (from archaeozoology, carpology, phytoliths and organic residue analysis) and wet cooking (boiling?), salty and acidic foods seem to have been particularly prevalent (from use-alteration). The absence of specific animal and plant parts in the archaeological record, as well as some pottery function, is also questioned. Beyond gathering the results of each approach, this study focuses on the interweaving of different research methods to depict past foodscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Debels
- ARCAN Laboratory, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- UMR 8215 Trajectoires, CNRS, France
| | - Léa Drieu
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, CEPAM, Nice, France
| | - Patricia Chiquet
- ARCAN Laboratory, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Museum of Natural History of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Louis Champion
- UMR DIADE équipe Dynadiv, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, France
| | | | | | - Moustapha Sall
- Department of History, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Anne Mayor
- ARCAN Laboratory, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Global Studies Institute (GSI), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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3
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Admiraal M, Colonese AC, Milheira RG, da Rocha Bandeira D, Demathe A, Pereira Dos Santos AM, Fossile T, Talbot HM, Bondetti M, Lucquin A, Montalvo-Cabrera J, Prates L, Serna A, Craig OE. Chemical analysis of pottery reveals the transition from a maritime to a plant-based economy in pre-colonial coastal Brazil. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16771. [PMID: 37798303 PMCID: PMC10556129 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42662-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding long-term dynamics of past socio-ecological systems is essential for their future management. The southern Atlantic Forest coast of Brazil with its biodiverse littoral zone and artisanal fishing communities, is a priority for conservation. Traditional maritime knowledge is thought to have a deep-history and indeed, marine exploitation can be traced back to the middle Holocene. As part of one of South America's largest diasporas, Guarani groups reached the southern Brazilian coast at around 1000 years ago. Their impact on the long-standing coastal economy is unknown, due to poor preservation of organic remains. Through the first organic residue study on Guarani pottery, we show that maize rather than aquatic foods was the most dominant product in pottery at this time. By developing a mixing model based on carbon isotope values of saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids we propose new criteria for the identification of maize, opening up avenues for future research. Our data confirms the importance of maize to the pre-colonial Guarani, even in a highly productive coastal environment. The Guarani occupation of this region marks a significant departure from previous socio-economic systems, potentially leading to loss of traditional knowledge and alleviating anthropogenic pressure, albeit temporarily, on the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein Admiraal
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Andre C Colonese
- Department of Prehistory and Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Rafael G Milheira
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, Federal University of Pelotas, Coronel Alberto Rosa 154, Pelotas, RS, 96010-160, Brazil
| | - Dione da Rocha Bandeira
- Programa em Patrimônio Cultural e Sociedade, Universidade da Região de Joinville, Paulo Malschitzki, 10, Zona Industrial Norte, Joinville, SC, 89219-710, Brazil
- Museu Arqueológico de Sambaqui de Joinville, Dona Francisca, 600, Joinville, 89201-220, Brazil
| | - Alexandro Demathe
- Sapienza Arqueologia e Gestão do Patrimônio Arqueológico, Wenceslau Alves dos Santos, 1002, Tubarão, SC, 88704-208, Brazil
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Educação Patrimonial e Arqueologia (GRUPEP), Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Av. José Acácio Moreira, 787, Tubarão, SC, 88704-900, Brazil
| | | | - Thiago Fossile
- Department of Prehistory and Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Helen M Talbot
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Manon Bondetti
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Alexandre Lucquin
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | | | - Luciano Prates
- División Arqueología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Serna
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
- División Arqueología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Oliver E Craig
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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4
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Oras E, Tõrv M, Johanson K, Rannamäe E, Poska A, Lõugas L, Lucquin A, Lundy J, Brown S, Chen S, Varul L, Haferberga V, Legzdiņa D, Zariņa G, Cramp L, Heyd V, Reay M, Pospieszny Ł, Robson HK, Nordqvist K, Heron C, Craig OE, Kriiska A. Parallel worlds and mixed economies: multi-proxy analysis reveals complex subsistence systems at the dawn of early farming in the northeast Baltic. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230880. [PMID: 37800159 PMCID: PMC10548101 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The transition from foraging to farming was a key turning point in ancient socio-economies. Yet, the complexities and regional variations of this transformation are still poorly understood. This multi-proxy study provides a new understanding of the introduction and spread of early farming, challenging the notions of hierarchical economies. The most extensive biological and biomolecular dietary overview, combining zooarchaeological, archaeobotanical, dietary stable isotope and pottery lipid residue analyses is presented, to unravel the nature and extent of early farming in the 3rd millennium cal BCE in the northeast Baltic. Farming was introduced by incoming Corded Ware cultural groups (CWC), but some dietary segregation existed within these communities, with some having more access to domesticates, others incorporating more wild resources into their diet. The CWC groups coexisted in parallel with local hunter-fisher-gatherers (HFG) without any indication of the adoption of domesticates. There was no transition from foraging to farming in the 3rd millennium cal BCE in the NE Baltic. Instead, we see a complex system of parallel worlds with local HFGs continuing forager lifeways, and incoming farmers practising mixed economies, with the continuation of these subsistence strategies for at least a millennium after the first encounter with domesticated animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Oras
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14 a, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of History and Archaeology, University of Tartu, Jakobi 2, 51005 Tartu, Estonia
- Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study (SCAS), Linneanum, Thunbergsvägen 2, 75238 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mari Tõrv
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14 a, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of History and Archaeology, University of Tartu, Jakobi 2, 51005 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kristiina Johanson
- Institute of History and Archaeology, University of Tartu, Jakobi 2, 51005 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Eve Rannamäe
- Institute of History and Archaeology, University of Tartu, Jakobi 2, 51005 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anneli Poska
- Department of Geology, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate Tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Lembi Lõugas
- Archaeological Research Collection, Tallinn University, Rüütli 10, 10130 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Alexandre Lucquin
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, Environment Building, Wentworth Way, YO10 5DD York, UK
| | - Jasmine Lundy
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, Environment Building, Wentworth Way, YO10 5DD York, UK
| | - Samantha Brown
- Institute for Archaeological Sciences, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Rümelinstrasse 23, 72070 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Shidong Chen
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14 a, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Liivi Varul
- School of Humanities, Division of History, Tallinn University, Narva rd 25, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Vanda Haferberga
- Institute of Latvian History, University of Latvia, Kalpaka blvd 4, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia
| | - Dardega Legzdiņa
- Institute of Latvian History, University of Latvia, Kalpaka blvd 4, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia
| | - Gunita Zariņa
- Institute of Latvian History, University of Latvia, Kalpaka blvd 4, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia
| | - Lucy Cramp
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Bristol, 43 Woodland Road, BS8 1UU Bristol, UK
| | - Volker Heyd
- Department of Cultures, University of Helsinki, Unioninkatu 38, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michaela Reay
- Organic Geochemistry Unit, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, BS8 1TS Bristol, UK
| | - Łukasz Pospieszny
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Bristol, 43 Woodland Road, BS8 1UU Bristol, UK
- Institute of Archaeology, University of Gdańsk, ul. Bielańska 5, 80-851 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Harry K. Robson
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, Environment Building, Wentworth Way, YO10 5DD York, UK
| | - Kerkko Nordqvist
- Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies, University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 24, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Carl Heron
- Department of Scientific Research, The British Museum, WC1B 3DG London, UK
| | - Oliver E. Craig
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, Environment Building, Wentworth Way, YO10 5DD York, UK
| | - Aivar Kriiska
- Institute of History and Archaeology, University of Tartu, Jakobi 2, 51005 Tartu, Estonia
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5
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The transmission of pottery technology among prehistoric European hunter-gatherers. Nat Hum Behav 2023; 7:171-183. [PMID: 36550220 PMCID: PMC9957732 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-022-01491-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human history has been shaped by global dispersals of technologies, although understanding of what enabled these processes is limited. Here, we explore the behavioural mechanisms that led to the emergence of pottery among hunter-gatherer communities in Europe during the mid-Holocene. Through radiocarbon dating, we propose this dispersal occurred at a far faster rate than previously thought. Chemical characterization of organic residues shows that European hunter-gatherer pottery had a function structured around regional culinary practices rather than environmental factors. Analysis of the forms, decoration and technological choices suggests that knowledge of pottery spread through a process of cultural transmission. We demonstrate a correlation between the physical properties of pots and how they were used, reflecting social traditions inherited by successive generations of hunter-gatherers. Taken together the evidence supports kinship-driven, super-regional communication networks that existed long before other major innovations such as agriculture, writing, urbanism or metallurgy.
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6
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Manoukian N, Whelton HL, Dunne J, Badalyan R, Smith AT, Simonyan H, Rothman MS, Bobokhyan A, Hovsepyan R, Avetisyan P, Evershed RP, Pollard AM. Diverse dietary practices across the Early Bronze Age 'Kura-Araxes culture' in the South Caucasus. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278345. [PMID: 36542561 PMCID: PMC9770345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Kura-Araxes (KA) cultural phenomenon (dated to the Early Bronze Age, c. 3500/3350-2500 BCE) is primarily characterised by the emergence of a homogeneous pottery style and a uniform 'material culture package' in settlements across the South Caucasus, as well as territories extending to the Ancient Near East and the Levant. It has been argued that KA societies practised pastoralism, despite a lack of direct examination of dietary and culinary practices in this region. Here, we report the first analyses of absorbed lipid residues from KA pottery to both determine the organic products produced and consumed and to reconstruct subsistence practices. Our results provide compelling evidence for a diversified diet across KA settlements in Armenia, comprising a mixed economy of meat and plant processing, aquatic fats and dairying. The preservation of diagnostic plant lipid biomarkers, notably long-chain fatty acids (C20 to C28) and n-alkanes (C23 to C33) has enabled the identification of the earliest processing of plants in pottery of the region. These findings suggest that KA settlements were agropastoral exploiting local resources. Results demonstrate the significance of applying biomolecular methods for examining dietary inferences in the South Caucasus region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyree Manoukian
- Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Helen L. Whelton
- Organic Geochemistry Unit, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Dunne
- Organic Geochemistry Unit, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ruben Badalyan
- Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, National Academy of Sciences, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Adam T. Smith
- Department of Anthropology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Hakob Simonyan
- Scientific Research Center of the Historical and Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Mitchell S. Rothman
- Department of Anthropology, Widener University, Chester, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Arsen Bobokhyan
- Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, National Academy of Sciences, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Roman Hovsepyan
- Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, National Academy of Sciences, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Pavel Avetisyan
- Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, National Academy of Sciences, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Richard P. Evershed
- Organic Geochemistry Unit, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - A. Mark Pollard
- Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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7
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Unveiling the Use of Wide Horizontal Rim Vessels (Bronze Age Northwest Iberian Peninsula). SEPARATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/separations9110366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper addresses a “wide horizontal rim vessel” belonging to the collection of Fundação Sousa d’Oliveira (Azores). Although its provenance and the circumstances of its discovery are currently unknown, the authors contend that this vessel should be attributed to the Iberian Northwest and, more specifically, to the Portuguese territory, in line with the highly homogenous distribution of this type of pottery. A morphological and stylistic study has been carried out establishing its singularity with regards to the decorative composition of the rim, which is without parallel amongst dozens of vessels of the same “family”. During the study of this piece, it has been possible to observe traces of soot and organic residues deposited both on its interior and exterior surfaces, which is recurrent in these vessels. The nature of these substances has never been determined in previous studies. In this article, we present and discuss the results obtained from the chromatographic analyses of the organic residue traces found on the vessel.
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8
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Régnier S, Lam E, Vasquez V, Martinez-Farina CF, Stark FC, Agbayani G, Deschatelets L, Dudani R, Harrison BA, Akache B, McCluskie MJ, Hemraz UD. Effect of Chiral Purity on Adjuvanticity of Archaeol-Based Glycolipids. J Med Chem 2022; 65:8332-8344. [PMID: 35658102 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Archaeosomes composed of sulfated lactosyl archaeol (SLA) glycolipids from stereoisomerically pure archaeol (1) are vaccine adjuvants that can boost immunogenicity and vaccine efficacy in preclinical models. Herein, we report a new synthesis of 2,3-bis((3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecyl)oxy) propan-1-ol (3) by treating (±)-3-benzyloxy-1,2-propanediol with a mesylated phytol derivative through a double nucleophilic substitution reaction, followed by reductive debenzylation. Three SLA archaeosomes from archaeols of different chiral purities were prepared, and the effect of stereochemistry on their adjuvanticity toward ovalbumin was investigated. It was found that all SLA archaeosomes induced strong humoral and cell-mediated antigen-specific immune responses following immunization of C57BL/6NCrl mice, with no significant differences, irrespective of the chiral purities. The responses were comparable or better than those obtained using mimetics of approved adjuvants. The performance of SLA archaeosomes during immunization and their lack of dependence on the stereochemistry of archaeol points toward a promising, safe, scalable, and economically viable vaccine adjuvant system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Régnier
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council of Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Edmond Lam
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council of Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Vinicio Vasquez
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council of Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Camilo F Martinez-Farina
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council of Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Felicity C Stark
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council of Canada, 1200 Montreal Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Gerard Agbayani
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council of Canada, 1200 Montreal Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Lise Deschatelets
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council of Canada, 1200 Montreal Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Renu Dudani
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council of Canada, 1200 Montreal Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Blair A Harrison
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council of Canada, 1200 Montreal Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Bassel Akache
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council of Canada, 1200 Montreal Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Michael J McCluskie
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council of Canada, 1200 Montreal Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Usha D Hemraz
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council of Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H4P 2R2, Canada
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9
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Irto A, Micalizzi G, Bretti C, Chiaia V, Mondello L, Cardiano P. Lipids in Archaeological Pottery: A Review on Their Sampling and Extraction Techniques. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27113451. [PMID: 35684389 PMCID: PMC9182108 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have been performed so far for the effective recovery, detection and quantification of specific compounds and their degradation products in archaeological materials. According to the literature, lipid molecules are the most durable and widespread biomarkers in ancient pottery. Artificial ageing studies to simulate lipid alterations over time have been reported. In this review, specific lipid archaeological biomarkers and well-established sampling and extraction methodologies are discussed. Although suitable analytical techniques have unraveled archaeological questions, some issues remain open such as the need to introduce innovative and miniaturized protocols to avoid extractions with organic solvents, which are often laborious and non-environmentally friendly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Irto
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (C.B.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (P.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.I.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Micalizzi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (C.B.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (P.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.I.); (G.M.)
| | - Clemente Bretti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (C.B.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (P.C.)
| | - Valentina Chiaia
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (C.B.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (P.C.)
| | - Luigi Mondello
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (C.B.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (P.C.)
- Chromaleont s.r.l., c/o Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
- Unit of Food Science and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Cardiano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (C.B.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (P.C.)
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10
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Bondetti M, González Carretero L, Dolbunova E, McGrath K, Presslee S, Lucquin A, Tsybriy V, Mazurkevich A, Tsybriy A, Jordan P, Heron C, Meadows J, Craig OE. Neolithic farmers or Neolithic foragers? Organic residue analysis of early pottery from Rakushechny Yar on the Lower Don (Russia). ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2021; 13:141. [PMID: 34777611 PMCID: PMC8550616 DOI: 10.1007/s12520-021-01412-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The emergence of pottery in Europe is associated with two distinct traditions: hunter-gatherers in the east of the continent during the early 6th millennium BC and early agricultural communities in the south-west in the late 7th millennium BC. Here we investigate the function of pottery from the site of Rakushechny Yar, located at the Southern fringe of Eastern Europe, in this putative contact zone between these two economic 'worlds'. To investigate, organic residue analysis was conducted on 120 samples from the Early Neolithic phase (ca. mid-6th millennium BC) along with microscopic and SEM analysis of associated foodcrusts. The results showed that the earliest phase of pottery use was predominantly used to process riverine resources. Many of the vessels have molecular and isotopic characteristics consistent with migratory fish, such as sturgeon, confirmed by the identification of sturgeon bony structures embedded in the charred surface deposits. There was no evidence of dairy products in any of the vessels, despite the fact these have been routinely identified in coeval sites to the south. Further analysis of some of the mammalian bones using ZooMS failed to demonstrate that domesticated animals were present in the Early Neolithic. Nevertheless, we argue that intensive exploitation of seasonally migratory fish, accompanied by large-scale pottery production, created storable surpluses that led to similar socio-economic outcomes as documented in early agricultural societies. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12520-021-01412-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Bondetti
- BioArCh, University of York, Environment Building, Wentworth Way Heslington, York, YO10 5DD UK
- Arctic Centre and Groningen Institute of Archaeology (GIA), University of Groningen, Aweg 30, 9718CW Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ekaterina Dolbunova
- Department of Scientific Research, The British Museum, London, WC1B 3DG UK
- Department of Archaeology of Eastern Europe and Siberia, The State Hermitage Museum, 34 Dvortsovaya Embankment, Saint Petersburg, 190000 Russian Federation
| | - Krista McGrath
- ICTA, Universitate Autonoma de Barcelona, UAB 08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola), Building Z Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sam Presslee
- BioArCh, University of York, Environment Building, Wentworth Way Heslington, York, YO10 5DD UK
| | - Alexandre Lucquin
- BioArCh, University of York, Environment Building, Wentworth Way Heslington, York, YO10 5DD UK
| | - Viktor Tsybriy
- Don Archaeological Society, 95A M Gorkogo, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - Andrey Mazurkevich
- Department of Archaeology of Eastern Europe and Siberia, The State Hermitage Museum, 34 Dvortsovaya Embankment, Saint Petersburg, 190000 Russian Federation
| | - Andrey Tsybriy
- Don Archaeological Society, 95A M Gorkogo, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - Peter Jordan
- Department of Archaeology and Ancient History, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Carl Heron
- Department of Scientific Research, The British Museum, London, WC1B 3DG UK
| | - John Meadows
- Centre for Baltic and Scandinavian Archaeology (ZBSA), SchlossGottorf, Schleswig-Holstein State Museums Foundation, Schlossinsel 1, 24837 Schleswig, Germany
| | - Oliver E. Craig
- BioArCh, University of York, Environment Building, Wentworth Way Heslington, York, YO10 5DD UK
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11
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Lundy J, Drieu L, Meo A, Sacco V, Arcifa L, Pezzini E, Aniceti V, Fiorentino G, Alexander M, Orecchioni P, Mollinari A, Carver MOH, Craig OE. New insights into early medieval Islamic cuisine: Organic residue analysis of pottery from rural and urban Sicily. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252225. [PMID: 34106970 PMCID: PMC8189454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sicily, during the 9th-12th century AD, thrived politically, economically, and culturally under Islamic political rule and the capital of Palermo stood as a cultural and political centre in the Mediterranean Islamic world. However, to what extent the lifeways of the people that experienced these regimes were impacted during this time is not well understood, particularly those from lesser studied rural contexts. This paper presents the first organic residue analysis of 134 cooking pots and other domestic containers dating to the 9th -12th century in order to gain new insights into the culinary practices during this significant period. Ceramics from three sites in the urban capital of Palermo and from the rural town of Casale San Pietro were analysed and compared. The multi-faceted organic residue analysis identified a range of commodities including animal products, vegetables, beeswax, pine and fruit products in the ceramics, with a complex mixing of resources observed in many cases, across all four sites and ceramic forms. Alongside the identification of commodities and how they were combined, new light has been shed on the patterning of resource use between these sites. The identification of dairy products in calcite wares from the rural site of Casale San Pietro and the absence of dairy in ceramics from the urban centre of Palermo presents interesting questions regarding the role of rural sites in food consumption and production in Islamic Sicily. This is the first time organic residue analysis of ceramics has been used to explore foodways in a medieval multi-faith society and offers new pathways to the understanding of pottery use and resources that were prepared, consumed and combined, reflecting cuisine in different socio-economic environments within the pluralistic population of medieval Sicily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Lundy
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Lea Drieu
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Antonino Meo
- Dipartimento di Storia, Patrimonio Culturale, Formazione e Società, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Arcifa
- Facoltà di Scienze della Formazione, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Pezzini
- “Antonino Sallinas”, Regional Archaeological Museum of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Veronica Aniceti
- Dipartimento di Storia, Patrimonio Culturale, Formazione e Società, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Natural History, University Museum of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Girolamo Fiorentino
- Laboratory of Archaeobotany and Palaeoecology, Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Michelle Alexander
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Orecchioni
- Dipartimento di Storia, Patrimonio Culturale, Formazione e Società, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mollinari
- Dipartimento di Storia, Patrimonio Culturale, Formazione e Società, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Martin O. H. Carver
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver E. Craig
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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12
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Bondetti M, Scott E, Courel B, Lucquin A, Shoda S, Lundy J, Labra‐Odde C, Drieu L, Craig OE. Investigating the formation and diagnostic value of ω-( o-alkylphenyl)alkanoic acids in ancient pottery. ARCHAEOMETRY 2021; 63:594-608. [PMID: 34219747 PMCID: PMC8247306 DOI: 10.1111/arcm.12631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Long-chain ω-(o-alkylphenyl)alkanoic acids (APAAs) derived from the heating of unsaturated fatty acids have been widely used for the identification of aquatic products in archaeological ceramic vessels. To date, little attention has been paid to the diagnostic potential of shorter chain (< C20) APAAs, despite their frequent occurrence. Here, a range of laboratory and field experiments and analyses of archaeological samples were undertaken to investigate whether APAAs could be used to further differentiate different commodities. The results provide new insights about the conditions for the formation of APAAs and enable the proposition of novel criteria to distinguish different natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Bondetti
- BioArChUniversity of YorkYorkUK
- University of Groningen, Arctic CentreGroningenthe Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - S. Shoda
- Palace Site InvestigationsNara National Research Institute for Cultural PropertiesNaraJapan
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13
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Latitudinal gradient in dairy production with the introduction of farming in Atlantic Europe. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2036. [PMID: 32341389 PMCID: PMC7184739 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15907-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of farming had far-reaching impacts on health, social structure and demography. Although the spread of domesticated plants and animals has been extensively tracked, it is unclear how these nascent economies developed within different environmental and cultural settings. Using molecular and isotopic analysis of lipids from pottery, here we investigate the foods prepared by the earliest farming communities of the European Atlantic seaboard. Surprisingly, we find an absence of aquatic foods, including in ceramics from coastal sites, except in the Western Baltic where this tradition continued from indigenous ceramic using hunter-gatherer-fishers. The frequency of dairy products in pottery increased as farming was progressively introduced along a northerly latitudinal gradient. This finding implies that early farming communities needed time to adapt their economic practices before expanding into more northerly areas. Latitudinal differences in the scale of dairy production might also have influenced the evolution of adult lactase persistence across Europe. The transition to agriculture brought major changes to human populations in Europe during the Neolithic period. Here, Cubas and colleagues analyse lipid residues from Neolithic pottery from along the Atlantic coast of Europe to trace the spread of dairy production and shifts in diet.
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14
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Courel B, Robson HK, Lucquin A, Dolbunova E, Oras E, Adamczak K, Andersen SH, Astrup PM, Charniauski M, Czekaj-Zastawny A, Ezepenko I, Hartz S, Kabaciński J, Kotula A, Kukawka S, Loze I, Mazurkevich A, Piezonka H, Piličiauskas G, Sørensen SA, Talbot HM, Tkachou A, Tkachova M, Wawrusiewicz A, Meadows J, Heron CP, Craig OE. Organic residue analysis shows sub-regional patterns in the use of pottery by Northern European hunter-gatherers. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:192016. [PMID: 32431883 PMCID: PMC7211838 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.192016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of pottery vessels to Europe has long been seen as closely linked with the spread of agriculture and pastoralism from the Near East. The adoption of pottery technology by hunter-gatherers in Northern and Eastern Europe does not fit this paradigm, and its role within these communities is so far unresolved. To investigate the motivations for hunter-gatherer pottery use, here, we present the systematic analysis of the contents of 528 early vessels from the Baltic Sea region, mostly dating to the late 6th-5th millennium cal BC, using molecular and isotopic characterization techniques. The results demonstrate clear sub-regional trends in the use of ceramics by hunter-gatherers; aquatic resources in the Eastern Baltic, non-ruminant animal fats in the Southeastern Baltic, and a more variable use, including ruminant animal products, in the Western Baltic, potentially including dairy. We found surprisingly little evidence for the use of ceramics for non-culinary activities, such as the production of resins. We attribute the emergence of these sub-regional cuisines to the diffusion of new culinary ideas afforded by the adoption of pottery, e.g. cooking and combining foods, but culturally contextualized and influenced by traditional practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blandine Courel
- Department of Scientific Research, The British Museum, London WC1B 3DG, UK
| | - Harry K. Robson
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Alexandre Lucquin
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Ekaterina Dolbunova
- Department of Scientific Research, The British Museum, London WC1B 3DG, UK
- The State Hermitage Museum, 34 Dvortsovaya Embankment, Saint Petersburg 190000, Russian Federation
| | - Ester Oras
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kamil Adamczak
- Institute of Archaeology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Szosa Bydgoska 44/48, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | | | | | - Maxim Charniauski
- Department of Archaeology of Prehistoric Society, Institute of History, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Academic St 1, 220072 Minsk, Belarus
| | - Agnieszka Czekaj-Zastawny
- Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology, Polish Academy of Science, Sławkowska 17, 31-016 Krakow, Poland
| | - Igor Ezepenko
- Department of Archaeology of Prehistoric Society, Institute of History, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Academic St 1, 220072 Minsk, Belarus
| | - Sönke Hartz
- Stiftung Schleswig-Holsteinische Landesmuseen, Schloss Gottorf, 24837 Schleswig, Germany
| | - Jacek Kabaciński
- Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology Polish Academy of Science, 31-016 Kraków, Poland
| | - Andreas Kotula
- Seminar für Ur- und Frühgeschichte, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Nikolausberger Weg 15, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stanisław Kukawka
- Institute of Archaeology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Szosa Bydgoska 44/48, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Ilze Loze
- Institute of Latvian History, University of Latvia, Rīga 1050, Latvia
| | - Andrey Mazurkevich
- The State Hermitage Museum, 34 Dvortsovaya Embankment, Saint Petersburg 190000, Russian Federation
| | - Henny Piezonka
- Institut für Ur- und Frühgeschichte, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Johanna-Mestorf-Straße 2-6, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Søren A. Sørensen
- Museum Lolland-Falster, Frisegade 40, 4800 Nykøbing Falster, Denmark
| | - Helen M. Talbot
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Aleh Tkachou
- Department of Archaeology of Prehistoric Society, Institute of History, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Academic St 1, 220072 Minsk, Belarus
| | - Maryia Tkachova
- Department of Archaeology of Prehistoric Society, Institute of History, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Academic St 1, 220072 Minsk, Belarus
| | - Adam Wawrusiewicz
- Muzeum Podlaskie w Białymstoku, Ratusz, Rynek Kościuszki 10, 15-426 Białystok, Poland
| | - John Meadows
- Centre for Baltic and Scandinavian Archaeology (ZBSA), Schleswig-Holstein State Museums Foundation, Schloss Gottorf, Schlossinsel 1, 24837 Schleswig, Germany
| | - Carl P. Heron
- Department of Scientific Research, The British Museum, London WC1B 3DG, UK
| | - Oliver E. Craig
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
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15
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Leierer L, Jambrina-Enríquez M, Herrera-Herrera AV, Connolly R, Hernández CM, Galván B, Mallol C. Insights into the timing, intensity and natural setting of Neanderthal occupation from the geoarchaeological study of combustion structures: A micromorphological and biomarker investigation of El Salt, unit Xb, Alcoy, Spain. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214955. [PMID: 31017917 PMCID: PMC6481795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Middle Paleolithic lithic and faunal assemblages throughout Eurasia reflect short-term Neanderthal occupations, which suggest high group mobility. However, the timing of these short-term occupations, a key factor to assess group mobility and territorial range, remains unresolved. Anthropogenic combustion structures are prominent in the Middle Paleolithic record and conceal information on the timing and intensity and natural setting of their associated human occupations. This paper examines a concentration of eleven combustion structures from unit Xb of El Salt, a Middle Paleolithic site in Spain through a geoarchaeological approach, in search of temporal, human impact and paleoenvironmental indicators to assess the timing, intensity and natural setting of the associated human occupations. The study was conducted using micromorphology, lipid biomarker analysis and compound specific isotope analysis. Results show in situ hearths built on different diachronic topsoils rich in herbivore excrements and angiosperm plant residues with rare anthropogenic remains. These data are suggestive of low impact, short-term human occupations separated by relatively long periods of time, with possible indicators of seasonality. Results also show an absence of conifer biomarkers in the mentioned topsoils and presence of conifer charcoal among the fuel residues (ash), indicating that fire wood was brought to the site from elsewhere. A microscopic and molecular approach in the study of combustion structures allows us to narrow down the timescale of archaeological analysis and contributes valuable information towards an understanding of Neanderthal group mobility and settlement patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Leierer
- Instituto Universitario de Biorgánica Antonio González, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Departamento de Geografía e Historia, Área de Prehistoria (Facultad de Humanidades), Universidad de La Laguna, Campus de Guajara, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Margarita Jambrina-Enríquez
- Instituto Universitario de Biorgánica Antonio González, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Antonio V Herrera-Herrera
- Instituto Universitario de Biorgánica Antonio González, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Rory Connolly
- Instituto Universitario de Biorgánica Antonio González, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Departamento de Geografía e Historia, Área de Prehistoria (Facultad de Humanidades), Universidad de La Laguna, Campus de Guajara, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Cristo M Hernández
- Departamento de Geografía e Historia, Área de Prehistoria (Facultad de Humanidades), Universidad de La Laguna, Campus de Guajara, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Bertila Galván
- Departamento de Geografía e Historia, Área de Prehistoria (Facultad de Humanidades), Universidad de La Laguna, Campus de Guajara, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Carolina Mallol
- Instituto Universitario de Biorgánica Antonio González, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Departamento de Geografía e Historia, Área de Prehistoria (Facultad de Humanidades), Universidad de La Laguna, Campus de Guajara, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
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16
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Robson HK, Skipitytė R, Piličiauskienė G, Lucquin A, Heron C, Craig OE, Piličiauskas G. Diet, cuisine and consumption practices of the first farmers in the southeastern Baltic. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2019; 11:4011-4024. [PMID: 31565086 PMCID: PMC6743674 DOI: 10.1007/s12520-019-00804-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
With the arrival of the Early Neolithic Globular Amphora and Corded Ware cultures into the southeastern Baltic, ca. 2900/2800-2400 cal BC, a new type of economy was introduced, animal husbandry. However, the degree to which this transformed the subsistence economy is unknown. Here, we conducted organic residue analyses of 64 ceramic vessels to identify their contents. The vessels were sampled from 10 Lithuanian archaeological sites dating across the Subneolithic-Neolithic transition to the Early Bronze Age (ca. 2900/2800-1300 cal BC). Our results demonstrate that regardless of location or vessel type, many ceramics were used to process aquatic resources. Against our expectations, this association continued even after marked economic change concurrent with the migration of pastoralists from central and southeastern Europe, as evidenced by recent ancient DNA analysis of human remains. Moreover, we observed dairy fats in pottery from all cultures of the Early Neolithic (i.e. Rzucewo, Globular Amphora and Corded Ware) but unlike other regions of Europe, it seems that these were incorporated into indigenous culinary practices. Furthermore, some vessels were used to process plant foods, and others may have been used for the production and/or storage of birch bark tar. However, evidence for domesticated plant processing, for example millet, was absent. We show that organic residue analysis of pottery provides a different picture of past consumption patterns compared to the stable isotope analysis of human remains from isolated burials where a clear dietary shift is evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry K. Robson
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Raminta Skipitytė
- Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Saulėtekio Ave. 3, Vilnius 10257, Lithuania
- Lithuanian Institute of History, Kražių st. 5, Vilnius 01108, Lithuania
| | - Giedrė Piličiauskienė
- Faculty of History, Vilnius University, Universiteto st. 7, Vilnius 01513, Lithuania
| | - Alexandre Lucquin
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Carl Heron
- Department of Scientific Research, The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG, UK
| | - Oliver E. Craig
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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17
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Abstract
Ancient Roman wine is found outside of the borders of the Roman world as a result of the Roman influence, trade and political relations. In our project, we decided to extensively research and recreate the ancient method of wine making in order to understand ancient viticulture and viniculture as it could have been if implemented outside of the borders. The objective was to recreate roman wine using ancient methods based on ancient texts (such as Columella, Pliny the Elder, Cicero, Cato the Elder, Galenus and Mago). The wine was made using modern grapes grown on lands considered by the Romans as barbaric (i.e., outside the Roman Limes), in modern Poland. The aim of the project—except for the wine making itself—was to measure the level of alcohol created through fermentation process. Ethanol levels in samples were obtained using gas chromatography (GC).
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18
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Molecular and isotopic evidence for the processing of starchy plants in Early Neolithic pottery from China. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17044. [PMID: 30451924 PMCID: PMC6242940 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35227-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Organic residue analysis of ancient ceramic vessels enables the investigation of natural resources that were used in daily cooking practices in different part of the world. Despite many methodological advances, the utilization of plants in pottery has been difficult to demonstrate chemically, hindering the study of their role in ancient society, a topic that is especially important to understanding early agricultural practices at the start of the Neolithic period. Here, we present the first lipid residue study on the Chinese Neolithic pottery dated to 5.0 k - 4.7 k cal BC from the Tianluoshan site, Zhejiang province, a key site with early evidence for rice domestication. Through the identification of novel molecular biomarkers and extensive stable isotope analysis, we suggest that the pottery in Tianluoshan were largely used for processing starchy plant foods. These results not only highlight the significance of starchy plants in Neolithic southern China but also show a clear difference with other contemporary sites in northern Eurasia, where pottery is clearly orientated to aquatic resource exploitation. These differences may be linked with the early development of rice agriculture in China compared to its much later adoption in adjacent northerly regions.
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19
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Hendy J, Colonese AC, Franz I, Fernandes R, Fischer R, Orton D, Lucquin A, Spindler L, Anvari J, Stroud E, Biehl PF, Speller C, Boivin N, Mackie M, Jersie-Christensen RR, Olsen JV, Collins MJ, Craig OE, Rosenstock E. Ancient proteins from ceramic vessels at Çatalhöyük West reveal the hidden cuisine of early farmers. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4064. [PMID: 30283003 PMCID: PMC6170438 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06335-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The analysis of lipids (fats, oils and waxes) absorbed within archaeological pottery has revolutionized the study of past diets and culinary practices. However, this technique can lack taxonomic and tissue specificity and is often unable to disentangle signatures resulting from the mixing of different food products. Here, we extract ancient proteins from ceramic vessels from the West Mound of the key early farming site of Çatalhöyük in Anatolia, revealing that this community processed mixes of cereals, pulses, dairy and meat products, and that particular vessels may have been reserved for specialized foods (e.g., cow milk and milk whey). Moreover, we demonstrate that dietary proteins can persist on archaeological artefacts for at least 8000 years, and that this approach can reveal past culinary practices with more taxonomic and tissue-specific clarity than has been possible with previous biomolecular techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Hendy
- Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, 07745, Jena, Germany. .,BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Andre C Colonese
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Ingmar Franz
- Institute of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, D-24098, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ricardo Fernandes
- Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, 07745, Jena, Germany.,School of Archaeology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 2PG, UK
| | - Roman Fischer
- Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - David Orton
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Alexandre Lucquin
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Luke Spindler
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.,Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit, University of Oxford, 1 South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3TG, UK
| | - Jana Anvari
- Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Stroud
- School of Archaeology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 2PG, UK
| | - Peter F Biehl
- Department of Anthropology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14261-0026, USA
| | - Camilla Speller
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.,Department of Anthropology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Nicole Boivin
- Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Meaghan Mackie
- EvoGenomics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rosa R Jersie-Christensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper V Olsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matthew J Collins
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.,EvoGenomics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Oliver E Craig
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Eva Rosenstock
- Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
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The impact of environmental change on the use of early pottery by East Asian hunter-gatherers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:7931-7936. [PMID: 30012598 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1803782115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The invention of pottery was a fundamental technological advancement with far-reaching economic and cultural consequences. Pottery containers first emerged in East Asia during the Late Pleistocene in a wide range of environmental settings, but became particularly prominent and much more widely dispersed after climatic warming at the start of the Holocene. Some archaeologists argue that this increasing usage was driven by environmental factors, as warmer climates would have generated a wider range of terrestrial plant and animal resources that required processing in pottery. However, this hypothesis has never been directly tested. Here, in one of the largest studies of its kind, we conducted organic residue analysis of >800 pottery vessels selected from 46 Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene sites located across the Japanese archipelago to identify their contents. Our results demonstrate that pottery had a strong association with the processing of aquatic resources, irrespective of the ecological setting. Contrary to expectations, this association remained stable even after the onset of Holocene warming, including in more southerly areas, where expanding forests provided new opportunities for hunting and gathering. Nevertheless, the results indicate that a broader array of aquatic resources was processed in pottery after the start of the Holocene. We suggest this marks a significant change in the role of pottery of hunter-gatherers, corresponding to an increased volume of production, greater variation in forms and sizes, the rise of intensified fishing, the onset of shellfish exploitation, and reduced residential mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Schönfeld
- Institut für Biochemie und Zellbiologie; Leipziger Str. 44 39120 Magdeburg
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Roca-Saavedra P, Mariño-Lorenzo P, Miranda J, Porto-Arias J, Lamas A, Vazquez B, Franco C, Cepeda A. Phytanic acid consumption and human health, risks, benefits and future trends: A review. Food Chem 2017; 221:237-247. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.10.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Ancient lipids document continuity in the use of early hunter-gatherer pottery through 9,000 years of Japanese prehistory. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:3991-6. [PMID: 27001829 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1522908113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The earliest pots in the world are from East Asia and date to the Late Pleistocene. However, ceramic vessels were only produced in large numbers during the warmer and more stable climatic conditions of the Holocene. It has long been assumed that the expansion of pottery was linked with increased sedentism and exploitation of new resources that became available with the ameliorated climate, but this hypothesis has never been tested. Through chemical analysis of their contents, we herein investigate the use of pottery across an exceptionally long 9,000-y sequence from the Jōmon site of Torihama in western Japan, intermittently occupied from the Late Pleistocene to the mid-Holocene. Molecular and isotopic analyses of lipids from 143 vessels provides clear evidence that pottery across this sequence was predominantly used for cooking marine and freshwater resources, with evidence for diversification in the range of aquatic products processed during the Holocene. Conversely, there is little indication that ruminant animals or plants were processed in pottery, although it is evident from the faunal and macrobotanical remains that these foods were heavily exploited. Supported by other residue analysis data from Japan, our results show that the link between pottery and fishing was established in the Late Paleolithic and lasted well into the Holocene, despite environmental and socio-economic change. Cooking aquatic products in pottery represents an enduring social aspect of East Asian hunter-gatherers, a tradition based on a dependable technology for exploiting a sustainable resource in an uncertain and changing world.
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