Biomarkers are specific compounds such as fatty acids found in food substances, which can be used to identify diets or substances used in ritual ceremonies. Various biomarkers can be found in local environments where they can persist as organic residues for extended periods of time. The inner pores of many pottery vessels and other artifacts serve as effective storage basins for organic residues due to the pores within the sherd and the duration of exposure with numerous food items through cooking and storage. For example, when fatty acid residues are extracted from the vessels’ pores and are present in certain ratios, it can indicate what types of foods or other ceremonial substances were stored or consumed within the vessels. Analyses of organic residues on ceramic artifacts can complement other types of archaeological evidence and provide insight into the diets as well as habits of other cultures.<br/>Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) can be used to identify various biomarkers extracted from archaeological samples. In this research we examine biomarkers such as fatty acids that are found in various ratios among different food sources such as seeds, meats, foliage, etc. to identify possible origins of the residue left in vessels and pottery. In addition we also have examined other biomarkers used in ceremonial beverages and other concoctions. Hallucinogenic plants would sometimes be mixed with other substances during the preparation of ceremonial beverages and other concoctions. Mescaline and other alkaloids can serve as biomarkers for evidence of ritualistic practices and often persist as residues in artifacts such as the shattered remains of cups, bowls, and pipes.

Analyses of archaeological biomarkers to examine diet and identify ingredients used in ritualistic practices

251st National Meeting (2016)

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