Posted on 12/09/2020 4:22:44 PM PST by BenLurkin
Researchers are getting a glimpse into ancient Indus Valley food choices by analyzing residues on ceramic pots from urban and rural settlements during the Mature Harappan period (c.2600/2500–1900 BC). It is a landmark study because this is the first multi-site analysis of fats and oils on pottery from the Indus Valley civilization. The results enable us to see and compare the popularity of some of the ancient Indus Valley foods across settlements and over time.
The researchers analyzed lipid residues on the pottery to find out what plant or animal products, such as fatty acids, remained and could provide them with chemical clues about ancient Indus Valley foods. Isotopic analysis allowed them to also discern between the fatty acids left by meat and milk. The analyses showed researchers what was cooked in different pots. In the press release, Dr. Suryanarayan explained the importance of studying these materials in the region:
The researchers’ analyses of lipid residue on pottery from the various sites shows that there was an abundance of animal products in ancient Indus Valley cuisine. The researchers found evidence for the Indus Valley people eating the meat of pigs, cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats, and also consuming dairy products from the ancient ceramic vessels.
(Excerpt) Read more at ancient-origins.net ...
I read the headline, Cheech and Ching came to mind.
Dang cops! Mind your own!
c.2600/2500–1900 BC
???
I’m surprised that ancient residue yielded anything discernible or usable.
Dave’s not here, man!
Brownies?
Great minds think alike.
My thought exactly. Not sure cocoa plant grew in the Indus Valley though. If so....
Despite my cheech and chong wisecracks, I also am somewhat surprised by the usable material recovered.
Seems some materials are far more...durable that expected.
Lol
I can understand Mastodon/Sabre Tooth Tiger etc DNA frozen in permafrost for many thousands of years, but food residue exposed to air, is simply amazing.
Apparently it is “protected” somewhat by having been absorbed into the ceramic.
I’m eyeing my coffee mug suspiciously.
It will tell on me in the future.
Bong water?
They smoked pot?
LOL!
Maybe that’s why the civilization died-off? Their collective gut couldn’t simply digest it.
Latest finding for Inca and Maya civilizations is that the mud they coated temples, homes, roads etc with, contained LIME, which poisoned their food growing fields, with so much rain, and they starved or left for other cities.
Maybe.
Would add something to how there are sudden mass deaths in certain indus valley cities.
A disease spreads through the populace, panic arises followed by violence, city rulers lose control.
Maybe some rivalry, “THEY cursed us” claims.
One group punishes the other for existing.
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