Absorbed residue analysis of funerary ceramics from the Early Dynastic cemetery of Maassara (Helwan)

Amber G.E. Hood*, Julie B Dunne, E. Christiana Kohler, Friederike Junge, Richard P Evershed

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

Abstract

This paper presents a proof-of-concept study that demonstrates the suitability of Early Dynastic funerary ceramics for organic residue analysis. An assemblage of sherds from the cemetery of Helwan/Maassara, housed in the Museum of Mediterranean and Near astern Antiquities (Medelhavsmuseet) in Stockholm, was analysed with the results providing valuable initial insights into the commodities that were associated with Early Dynastic vessels from funerary contexts. Combined chemical and isotopic analysis revealed that all lipid-yielding vessels were used in the storage/processing of animal carcass and dairy products. While preliminary in nature, the results of this study shed light on future research areas within Egyptian archaeology that would benefit from the further application of organic residue analysis.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEGYPT AT ITS ORIGINS 7
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the Seventh International Conference “Origin of the State. Predynastic and Early Dynastic Egypt”, Paris, 19th – 23rd September 2022
PublisherPeeters
Pages307-328
Number of pages22
Volume XXII-822
ISBN (Print)978-90-429-5222-5
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jan 2025

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