Analysis of adhering organic residues of two “coupes-à-socles” from the Neolithic funerary site “La Hougue Bie” in Jersey: evidences of birch bark tar utilisation

The “coupes-à-socle” (footed cups) are ceramics which can be found in domestic Neolithic contexts in Brittany (Castellic, Auzay-Sandun), but more generally in non-domestic areas. Their ceremonial function has often been evoked, in particular as a perfume burner. The analysis by GC and GC/MS of two samples from the “Hougue Bie” (Jersey) passage graves showed the presence of vegetable fatty acids, degraded n-alkanes and terpenoïds, biomarkers of birch bark tar. The presence of such substances could be explained either by the use of the “coupes-à-socle” for burning birch bark tar as an odoriferous product or their use as an everyday vessel for heating and increasing tar plasticity. However, the limited occurrence of this type of ceramic in habitat sites supports the former utilisation. This first report of the presence of birch bark tar in “coupes-à-socle” thus suggests use of this tar as an odoriferous product, in addition to its numerous, previously recognised, more technical uses.     

Production and use of birch bark tar at the Neolithic pile-dwelling of Palù di Livenza (North-Eastern Italy) revealed by X-ray computed micro-tomography and synchrotron Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy

Recent excavations at Palù di Livenza (northeastern Italy) revealed a multiphase Neolithic pile dwelling dated between ca. 4,300/4200 and 3,600 cal BC. Three lumps with teeth imprints and a larger amorphous piece from the Late Neolithic layers have been studied by X-ray computed micro-tomography (microCT) and synchrotron Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR spectra match well that of birch bark tar and microCT of the larger piece has revealed a rolled-up structure likely corresponding to bark rolls. The lumps of birch pitch were probably chewed to soften the tar prior to be used as hafting adhesive or therapeutic substance. The rolled-up inner structure of the larger piece and the remains of birch bark tar and abundant charcoals on its surface suggest it probably corresponds to a rare waste product from allothermic tar production.     

史前蒙古人种海洋扩散研究——岭南树皮布文化发现及其意义

在人类衣服历史上,发源于中国的纺织丝布和楮树皮的无纺布,同样是具有世界性影响的重大发明。树皮布技术自南中国南向经中南半岛,席卷东南亚岛屿后,从海路上跨过太平洋岛屿进入中美洲。树皮布在中美洲更广泛被用作纸,具有记载文字的功能,对中美洲的历史影响至为深钜。     

五种清代内府刻书用纸样品纤维显微分析与鉴别

清内府刻书所用"开化纸"的来源和纤维成分在学界一直有很大争议,近年有学者将档案和现存古籍比较,发现清代"开化纸"实为"连四纸","开化榜纸"实为"泾县榜纸",皆出自安徽泾县。通过分析4种清代"开化纸"和1种"开化榜纸"残片样品的纤维显微图,从纤维形态、纤维宽度、纤维纹理、胶质膜、晶体形状等各个角度鉴别古纸样品和对照样品的微观特征。结果表明:5种残片样品纤维成分皆为纯青檀皮,这一结论跟文献史料考证结果相吻合;清代内府刻书用"开化纸"和"开化榜纸"很可能为来自安徽泾县的纯青檀皮纸。     

古代香港树皮布文化发现及其意义浅释

环珠江口一带的大湾文化中发现的树皮布石拍是中国大陆目前所知唯一年代最早,可靠性最强的与树皮布技术相关的资料。环珠江口树皮布文化很可能是全球树皮布文化的源头。     

台湾地区树皮布石拍初探

台湾地区25处遗址出土为数不少树皮布石拍,年代在距今3500年前后。台湾地区石拍为中国大陆树皮布文化的一分支,其来源与菲律宾和印支半岛有密切的关系。     

Exploitation of Beehive Products,Plant Exudates and Tars in Corsica During the Early Iron Age

In the north‐western Mediterranean area, the first Iron Age is characterized by intense contacts and cultural interactions between populations. Archaeological remains such as ceramic vessels or metal and glass objects are usually good indicators of the nature and the intensity of these exchanges, but can also be used to determine the way in which these populations were living at their time. In contrast, organic substances, despite their importance in a wide variety of activities, are rarely investigated due to their low degree of preservation. The recent discovery of a series of amorphous organic residues with adhesive properties at the site of Cuciurpula provided a unique opportunity to address questions related to the types of natural substances exploited, their provenance, their uses and their informational input to intercultural relationships. Our results, based on GC and GC–MS analysis of organic residues preserved at the site of Cuciurpula, provide strong evidence for the most southern use of birch bark tar in Western Europe, and also for the simultaneous use of this substance with pine resin. Beeswax was also identified in some samples. The combined study of residue composition, aspect and location on ceramic sherds reveals a variety of uses, highlighting a complex technical system.