From the inside out: Upscaling organic residue analyses of archaeological ceramics

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2016.04.005
• Publication Date: 2016-05-04T06:01:30Z
• Authors: Mélanie Roffet-Sa...; Julie Dunne; David T. Altoft; Emmanuelle Casanova; Lucy J.E. Cramp; Jessica Smyth; Helen L. Whelton; Richard P. Evershed
• Keywords: Archaeological Science; Assemblage (archaeology); Residue (chemistry)

The investigation of organic residues associated with archaeological pottery using modern analytical chemical methods began in the 1970s. It was recognised early on that analysis lipids (i.e. fats, waxes and resins) preserved surface or fabric single potsherds, representative vessels, a powerful method for ascertaining use, high degree specificity. Subsequent developments saw significant change scale, studies often involving lipid analyses tens to hundreds potsherds per assemblage, providing information extended beyond use. identification animal plant foodstuffs processed pots provides insights into herding farming, can also detect trade exotic goods. Information about environment climate be extrapolated from isotopic composition compounds detected potentially novel avenues investigation. direct dating is opening up new opportunities building chronologies, while integration residue other environmental cultural proxies within interdisciplinary projects already unprecedented past lifestyles, site regional scales.