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