Sakalauskaite, Jorune, Andersen, Søren H., Biagi, Paolo et al. (18 more authors) (2019) 'Palaeoshellomics' reveals the use of freshwater mother-of-pearl in prehistory. eLife. ISSN 2050-084X
Abstract
The extensive use of mollusc shell as a versatile raw material is testament to its importance in prehistoric times. The consistent choice of certain species for different purposes, including the making of ornaments, is a direct representation of how humans viewed and exploited their environment. The necessary taxonomic information, however, is often impossible to obtain from objects that are small, heavily worked or degraded. Here we propose a novel biogeochemical approach to track the biological origin of prehistoric mollusc shell. We conducted an in-depth study of archaeological ornaments using microstructural, geochemical and biomolecular analyses, including 'palaeoshellomics', the first application of palaeoproteomics to mollusc shells (and indeed to any invertebrate calcified tissue). We reveal the consistent use of locally-sourced freshwater mother-of-pearl for the standardized manufacture of 'double-buttons'. This craft is found throughout Europe between 4200-3800 BCE, highlighting the ornament-makers' profound knowledge of the biogeosphere and the existence of cross-cultural traditions.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2019, Sakalauskaite et al. |
Keywords: | biochemistry,biomineralization,chemical biology,evolutionary biology,mollusc shells,ornaments,palaeoproteomics,prehistory,tandem mass spectrometry |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Arts and Humanities (York) > Archaeology (York) The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Chemistry (York) The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Mathematics (York) The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Biology (York) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number EUROPEAN COMMISSION PERG07-GA-2010-268429 |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 17 May 2019 09:20 |
Last Modified: | 21 Jan 2025 17:39 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.45644 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.7554/eLife.45644 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:146232 |