Evidence for varying patterns of exploitation of animal products in different prehistoric pottery traditions based on lipids preserved in surface andabsorbed residues

Citation
Sn. Dudd et al., Evidence for varying patterns of exploitation of animal products in different prehistoric pottery traditions based on lipids preserved in surface andabsorbed residues, J ARCH SCI, 26(12), 1999, pp. 1473-1482
Citations number
36
Categorie Soggetti
Archeology
Journal title
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
ISSN journal
03054403 → ACNP
Volume
26
Issue
12
Year of publication
1999
Pages
1473 - 1482
Database
ISI
SICI code
0305-4403(199912)26:12<1473:EFVPOE>2.0.ZU;2-1
Abstract
The excavation of a barrow at Upper Ninepence, Walton in the Welsh Borderla nds, U.K., revealed two phases of occupation associated with two different ceramic traditions, namely Grooved Ware (2500 BC) and Peterborough Ware (30 00 BC). The Grooved Ware and Peterborough Ware pits seem to have a mutually exclusive distribution on the site. Screening of the sherds for lipid resi dues has revealed the presence of remnant fats in a remarkably well-preserv ed state considering the age of the finds. Investigations of various chemic al characteristics of the remnant fats from absorbed and carbonized residue s have enabled distinctions to be drawn between fats from non-ruminant (e.g . porcine) and ruminant (e.g. ovine or bovine) origins. Significantly, both ruminant and non-ruminant fats are found associated with the Grooved Ware whereas only ruminant fats are found associated with the Peterborough Ware. The assignments are based upon the distributions of solvent-extractable li pid components and the compound-specific stable carbon isotope values of th e major n-alkanoic acids. The results reveal differences in vessel use and indicate possible changes in patterns of animal exploitation or dietary pre ferences between the two phases of occupation. The results illustrate the i mportance of residue analysis in archaeological investigations, particularl y at prehistoric sites where evidence from faunal remains is limited or abs ent.