Yes / Vast numbers of votive mummies were produced in Egypt during the Late Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, and Roman periods. Although millions remain in situ, many were removed and have ultimately entered museum collections around the world. There they have often languished as uncomfortable reminders of antiquarian practices with little information available to enhance their value as artefacts worthy of conservation or display. A multi-disciplinary research project, based at the University of Manchester, is currently redressing these issues. One recent aspect of this work has been the characterization of natural products employed in the mummification of votive bundles. Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and the well-established biomarker approach, analysis of 24 samples from 17 mummy bundles has demonstrated the presence of oils/fats, natural waxes, petroleum products, resinous exudates, and essential oils. These results confirm the range of organic materials employed in embalming and augment our understanding of the treatment of votives. In this first systematic initiative of its kind, initial findings point to possible trends in body treatment practices in relation to chronology, geography, and changes in ideology which will be investigated as the study progresses. Detailed knowledge of the substances used on individual bundles has also served to enhance their value as display items and aid in their conservation. / RCB is supported by a PhD studentship from the Art and Humanities Research Council (43019R00209). L.M. and S.A.W. are supported by a Leverhulme Trust Research Project Award (RPG-2013-143).

Yes / Ceramic containers, intentionally deposited into wetlands, offer detailed insights into Early Neolithic culinary practices. Additionally, they are key for ascertaining the Neolithisation process in Denmark since they appear to form a typo-chronological sequence. Here, we use a combination of organic residue analysis (ORA) of pottery alongside Bayesian chronological modelling of the radiocarbon dates obtained on these vessels to explore the initial stages of votive deposition in wetlands, a practice that stretches from the Mesolithic to the onset of Christianity in Northern Europe. We consider 34 Early-Middle Neolithic (c. 3900–2350 cal BC) ‘bog pots’ from Denmark, of which 20 have ORA data, and 26 have been dated directly. Carbonised surface residues and absorbed lipids from powdered sherds were analysed using a combination of bulk carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and GC-combustion-isotope ratio MS (GC-C-IRMS). The molecular and isotopic compositions of the analysed samples revealed the presence of aquatic, ruminant carcass and dairy fats as well as plant waxes with the majority containing mixtures thereof. Dairy fats were present from the onset of the Funnel Beaker culture, whilst aquatic foods, prevalent at the close of the preceding Mesolithic period, continued to be processed in pottery for the following thousand years. / UK Arts and Humanities Research Board Grant B/RG/AN1717/APN14658 (to O.E.C.) and the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council Grant AH/E008232/1 (to C.P.H and O.E.C.) for funding this research. H.K.R. acknowledges the British Academy for funding during the preparation of the manuscript.

Improved analytical methods using novel cleanup techniques and inexpensive instrumentation for the determination of residue estrogens in municipal wastewater and swine lagoon wastewater have been developed. Presented approaches are less expensive, less time consuming, yet produce comparable detection limits and extraction efficiencies to existing methods. Chapter I provides an overview on environmental estrogens. Chapter II describes a novel method to quantify five estrogens including estriol, estrone, 17alpha-estradiol, 17beta-estradiol, and 17alpha-ethynylestradiol in influent and effluent municipal wastewater. The method includes sample preparation using solid-phase extraction followed by a “QuEChERS” cleanup, dansylation and LC/MS/MS detection. Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance solid phase extraction (SPE) was used for sample preconcentration and the extract was cleaned up using a dispersive SPE method using MgSO4, PSA and C-18. The resulting extract was then derivatized with dansyl chloride. Separation was achieved on a C-18 column and quantification was accomplished in the positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring. The method is capable of detecting below 1 ng/L. Chapter III describes improved approaches to quantify five estrogens and two conjugates, Estrone 3-glucuronide and beta-Estradiol 3-sulfate, in swine lagoon wastewater and storm water runoff. A considerable residue was collected when lagoon wastewater samples were centrifuged therefore both resulting residues and aqueous portions were analyzed separately. Analysis of the aqueous portions was carried out using a similar approach to the method described in Chapter II. However, a simple test-tube liquid-liquid extraction was used as an additional sample clean-up step. A modified QuEChERS method was utilized to efficiently extract the target analytes in the residue. Methods have 0.9 – 2 ng/L detection limits. Chapter IV describes an approach to quantify residue estrogens in municipal wastewater using a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatograph (GCxGC). This method requires no further cleanups after SPE and has detection limits ranging from 1.4 – 22.2 ng/L. All presented methods use relatively small initial sample volumes and produce negligible matrix interferences. The developed methods were validated by performing mini surveys on the estrogen levels in environmental aqueous matrices in north Mississippi.

The Encounters and Transformations in Iron Age Europe project (ENTRANS) aims to expand our knowledge regarding the nature and impact of cultural encounters during the European Iron Age. The study of ceramic vessels was included in the project, in order to further understand cultural practices in the south-east Alpine region. Organic residue analysis is an important tool in archaeological research for determining the presence of food and other organic substances associated with ceramic vessels. It has the potential to significantly improve our understanding of Iron Age societies and the interactions between them. This research focuses on the analysis of visible and absorbed organic residues from 377 ceramic vessels, from Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age sites in Slovenia and Croatia, by gas-chromatography mass spectrometry. Two methods of lipid extraction were compared in a pilot study compressing 30 potsherds from Kaptol (solvent vs. acid extraction). This study revealed that more information was obtained by acid extraction, thus it was selected as the main method of extraction for this project. Differences between settlement, funerary and ritual sites were observed, suggesting that the vessels placed in the graves were not previously used or carried foodstuff with low lipid content, such as liquids and dry foods/cereals. Some types of residues were only identified in funerary vessels, specifically potential castor oil in Kaptol, mixed with other fats and oils. Lipid biomarkers and lipid ratios revealed significant differences between contexts and different sites, suggesting that the differences in cultural practices can also be identified in the use of ceramic vessels. Some residues were also sampled for gas-chromatography compound-specific isotope ratio mass spectrometry and bulk isotope analysis (only visible residues), which identified potential dairy fats in two potsherds from Poštela. The results were also compared with the contextual information, mainly the faunal remains, and the data obtained from the osteology and diet study preformed with individuals from the same area and chronology as the ceramic vessels. / Encounters and Transformations in Iron Age Europe Project (ENTRANS); Humanities in the European Research Area (HERA); Institute Life Sciences Research (ILSR) University of Bradford.

No / In contrast with artefactual studies of long-distance trade and exchange in South Asia during the Prehistoric and Early Historic periods (Ardika et al . 1993; Gogte 1997; Krishnan and Coningham 1997; Tomber 2000; Gupta et al . 2001; Ford et al . 2005), few scientifically orientated analyses have focused on artefacts from the region¿s Historic period. During excavations at the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, a number of buff ware ceramics with a putative organic coating on the interior were recovered (Coningham 2006). Dated stylistically to between the third and ninth centuries AD , analysis of the coatings using gas chromatography¿mass spectrometry (GC¿MS) and stable isotope analysis (carbon and deuterium) confirmed that the coatings are bitumen¿an organic product associated with petroleum deposits. There are no known bitumen sources in Sri Lanka, and biomarker distributions and isotopic signatures suggest that the majority of the samples appear to have come from a single bitumen source near Susa in Iran. The relationship between the bitumen coatings and the vessels is discussed, and it is suggested that the coatings were used to seal permeable ceramic containers to allow them to transport liquid commodities. This study enhances our knowledge of networks of trade and exchange between Sri Lanka and western Asia during Historic times.

No / Gas chromatography (GC), GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC-combustion-isotope ratio MS (GC-C-IRMS) analyses of absorbed and surface lipid residues preserved in potsherds were used to explore the extent of pig product processing exploitation in the later British Neolithic Grooved Ware tradition. Assessments were made regarding whether porcine lipids were associated with specific Grooved Ware traits, i.e. decoration, substyle, geographical area and type of site. Two hundred and twenty-two Grooved Ware potsherds were analysed, 70% of which contained lipid concentrations considered significant (>5 μg g−1). All the lipid residues were dominated by animal fats, although plant and beeswax were also detected in a small number of extracts. δ13C values of the major fatty acid components of degraded animal fats (C16:0 and C18:0) were determined for 126 extracts and used to assign ruminant or porcine origins to the residues; 16% of these were found to have a predominantly porcine isotope signature. Statistical associations with pig exploitation were shown to exist with substyle, geographical area and site type, whereas, no relationship was seen between decoration and the type of commodity processed. Intact triacylglycerols were preserved in 19% of the sherds; half of these had distributions consistent with the identifications based on δ13C values, the remainder differed either due to the presence of mixed commodities or because lower molecular weight homologues had been lost due to degradation. In addition to the detection of pig exploitation, results from lipid residue analysis showed a good correlation with faunal assemblages, suggesting that stable isotope analysis may be used as a proxy for animal exploitation at sites where bones have not survived.

<p>In this essay, Neolithic potsherds from Alby, Öland has been examined. The purpose was to investigate the connection between the lipid residues and the vessel shapes and ornament. To solve the attempt lipid and morphological analyses were executed. The lipid analysis revealed traces of different food residues and the morphological method showed various shapes and decors. The result indicates that the Alby ceramics has been used for cooking/storage of different fish and meat dishes, as well as vegetables and that the vegetables doesn’t derive of cereals.</p>

Investigating Neolithic pottery and vessel use could elucidate the duality between the farming Funnel Beaker Culture and the hunter-gathering Pitted Ware Culture during the Neolithic. The two archaeological groups differ on several accounts that are of great importance when interpreting past societies. However, it is the suggested differential subsistence economies that are of specific interest for this particular investigation. A comparative study based on the absorbed fatty acids in the ceramic material from two different Neolithic sites addresses the food cultures of the farming subsistence and the contrasting, contemporary hunter-gatherer society and the differences in resource-use. The investigation argues that food acts as an active social binder, and stress the importance of incorporating this aspect when discussing past cultures. The results of the analyses display difference in vessel use between the two sites as well as an intra-site difference at Korsnäs. It is argued that these differences are indicative of deviating food-cultures and spatial organisation at Korsnäs respectively. These results are combined with the previously conducted osteological analyses and stable isotopic analyses an approach that contribute to a more dynamic understanding of the Neolithic food cultures than what has been available before. Investigating Neolithic pottery and vessel use could elucidate the duality between the farming Funnel Beaker Culture and the hunter-gathering Pitted Ware Culture during the Neolithic. The two archaeological groups differ on several accounts that are of great importance when interpreting past societies. However, it is the suggested differential subsistence economies that are of specific interest for this particular investigation. A comparative study based on the absorbed fatty acids in the ceramic material from two different Neolithic sites addresses the food cultures of the farming subsistence and the contrasting, contemporary hunter-gatherer society and the differences in resource-use. The investigation argues that food acts as an active social binder, and stress the importance of incorporating this aspect when discussing past cultures. The results of the analyses display difference in vessel use between the two sites as well as an intra-site difference at Korsnäs. It is argued that these differences are indicative of deviating food-cultures and spatial organisation at Korsnäs respectively. These results are combined with the previously conducted osteological analyses and stable isotopic analyses an approach that contribute to a more dynamic understanding of the Neolithic food cultures than what has been available before.

Cette recherche doctorale porte sur l’analyse des « céramiques communes à pâte grossière » issues de 4 fouilles archéologiques de la Vénétie : celles de la cathédrale de Padoue, de Rocca de Monselice (Padoue), du château de Montagnone à Montegrotto Terme (Padoue) et de l’ancien cinéma Astra à Chioggia (Venise). Cette recherche se focalise plus particulièrement sur la « céramique commune à pâte grossière » employée pour l’usage culinaire à l’échelle de la Vénétie. Elle vise à mieux comprendre les changements de morphologies, de matières premières employées mais également de fonctionnalité entre le IVe et le XIV siècle apr. J.-C. Dans le cadre de ce travail, cette catégorie de céramique a été étudiée à travers une approche pluridisciplinaire associant, à la démarche d’archéologique et de typologique classique, des observations pétrographiques et des analyses chimiques de résidus organiques. La combinaison de ces expértises a permis d’observer :• une évolution typologique à l’échelle de la période chronologique investie pour la région de Padoue ces dernières ayant été confrontée avec des données déjà publiée pour la région de la Vénétie et des territoires limitrophes ;• des caractéristiques pétrographiques et un changement des « recettes » de pâtes employées dans la production de la céramique pour les usages culinaires ;• certains aspects fonctionnels des céramiques, notamment sur pour artefacts retrouvés lors de la fouille de la cathédrale de Padoue, permettant même de proposer des hypothèses sur les habitudes alimentaires ;• un lien entre l’évolution des « céramiques communes à pâte grossière » et les dynamiques économiques et politiques régionales. / The aim of this research is the study of cooking wares, founded in 4 archaeological sites of Veneto region (North-eastern Italy): the archaeological excavation near the Padua cathedral, the archaeological excavation of Rocca di Monselice Castle (PD); the archeological sites of Montagnone of Montegrotto Terme castle; and the excavation in the ex-cinema Astra in Chioggia (VE). Therefore the object of this research is to observe over long time (from 4th to 14/15th century) the cooking wares of a small territory of Veneto region, the central-eastern part, to understand the evolutional change of morphologies, the origins of raw materials and the pottery function.The pottery was studied with the exploitation of different techniques and methodologies: the archaeological and typological approach; the petrographical analysis and the organic residue analysis. This method allowed the observation of:$\begin{itemize}\item the pottery morphological evolution, over long time in a small territory, taking into account also the published ceramic datas of Veneto and the nearest regions;\item the petrographical characteristic and the different use of ceramic paste over a log term for the cooking wares;\item for the archaeological site of Padua cathedral, the functional aspect of pottery. This aspect permits to speculate on the diet habits;\item the link between the cooking and coarse wares and the historical and economical aspects of Veneto. \end{itemize}$Finally this research gives a database to better understand the production characteristics of Paduan cooking wares.

In this essay, Neolithic potsherds from Alby, Öland has been examined. The purpose was to investigate the connection between the lipid residues and the vessel shapes and ornament. To solve the attempt lipid and morphological analyses were executed. The lipid analysis revealed traces of different food residues and the morphological method showed various shapes and decors. The result indicates that the Alby ceramics has been used for cooking/storage of different fish and meat dishes, as well as vegetables and that the vegetables doesn’t derive of cereals.