During salvage excavations carried out in 2013 on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, a s... more During salvage excavations carried out in 2013 on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, a seemingly isolated clay coffin with anthropoid lid was uncovered on the lower east slope of Tel Shadud in the Jezreel Valley (van den Brink et al., 2016). The coffin and associated funerary gifts bear strong resemblance to comparable specimens known foremost from Deir el-Balah in the Gaza strip and Bet She'an in the Jordan Valley. This new find should be placed within the context of the Egyptian New Kingdom colonization process of the region during the Late Bronze Age II and succeeding Iron Age I (van den Brink et al., In press). The coffin was systematically sampled for absorbed organic compounds along its profile. The results of the residue analysis reveals a particular burial aspect associated with pre-burial treatment of the coffin.
Several micro-archaeological methods are suggested in this study in order to identify cess deposi... more Several micro-archaeological methods are suggested in this study in order to identify cess deposits. These methods were deployed at a Near Eastern mound (Megiddo, Israel), yet are applicable to any archaeological site anywhere in the world. The study presented here, was performed on a 2–3 mm thick yellowish fibrous material , ca. 40 × 15 cm in size, which was discovered in Area H at Tel Megiddo in relation to a well-built structure dating to the Late Bronze Age IIA (mid-14th century BCE). Area H is located near the remains of a large Late Bronze Age palace, which had been excavated in the early 20th century. In order to reveal the nature of the yel-lowish fibrous material we carried out infrared spectroscopy, petrographic microscopy and lipid analyses. The results led us to suggest that this substance is related to fecal matter. We therefore analyzed it for pollen and gastrointestinal parasite remains. While the latter were for the most part absent, the palynological investigation provided information about dietary components that are usually under-represented in the reconstruction of veg-etative diets, especially beverages and possible use of medicinal plants, consumed by the Megiddo residents, who may had some link to the palace. The paper demonstrates how diverse micro-archaeological analyses complement each other, and when applied in concert yield novel information about the past.
When did the trade in lucrative spices from South Asia to the West commence? Recent organic resid... more When did the trade in lucrative spices from South Asia to the West commence? Recent organic residue analyses performed on small early Iron Age (11th–late 10th century BCE) Phoenician clay flasks provide the first concrete archaeological evidence that such sustainable trade took place much earlier than hitherto suspected. The analysis shows that several of the flasks contained cinnamon, which in this period could only have originated in South/Southeast Asia. Here, we first summarize the rationale and results of that study. Subsequently, we provide an updated review of all sources of data relevant to the question at hand—archaeological, analytical, and textual. Finally, we offer suggestions for future research on the Asian spice trade with the West.
In Yavneh I (Kletter et al. 2010) we published the results obtained through organic residue analy... more In Yavneh I (Kletter et al. 2010) we published the results obtained through organic residue analysis performed on 17 chalices and two bowls from the Yavneh repository pit (Namdar et al. 2010). In our previous paper we showed that plant materials were consumed in the chalices and suggested that the chalices were likely used as incense burners. In the present study we report the results of additional chemical analysis performed on eleven chalices and on seven juglets from Yavneh. Juglets are a minor component of the ceramic assemblage in this pit and consist of a few dozen types. The particular juglets examined in this study are called “hybrid juglets”. They are small, closed vessels (ca. 6-7 cm in height) with a rounded body and base. Only 12 hybrid juglets were found in the pit (Panitz-Cohen 2010:126). Although the manner in which these hybrid juglets were used is unknown, their presence in a repository pit close to a presumed Iron Age Philistine shrine, suggests that they may have played a cultic role. Hence, as small containers, the investigation of this role through the study of their organic contents was deemed both intriguing and of potentially great significance. Combining the two sets of data we try to draw some new insights regarding the cultic rituals that took place in the nearby shrine and the trade that was involved in the maintenance of these practices.
The paper attempts to integrate the study of the manufacture, function
and discard of chalices fr... more The paper attempts to integrate the study of the manufacture, function and discard of chalices from three sites in Philistia in order to form a coherent ‘life-cycle story’ of this vessel type. The analyses include examination of the sources of the ceramic raw material using petrography; study of the modes of manufacture, employing visual inspection and ethnographic data; and examination of the function of these vessels, using organic residue analysis. By combining these analytic perspectives, the authors shed new light on cultic practices in Iron Age Philistia and offer an alternative view of Philistine identity.
Several occupation levels dating to the sixth to fifth millennia BC (the Wadi Rabah and pre-Ghass... more Several occupation levels dating to the sixth to fifth millennia BC (the Wadi Rabah and pre-Ghassulian Late Neolithic and Chalcolithic cultures as well as the Early Bronze Age IBII) were found in a salvage excavation conducted at Ein Zippori in the lower Galilee. Pottery vessels from the different periods were sampled for organic residue analysis study and were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Olive oil was one of the most common organic residues detected in the vessels, from the levels of the Wadi Rabah occupation and onwards (sixth to fifth millennia BC). This find throws new light on the exploitation of olives in the southern Levant as well as on the large-scale production and consumption of olive oil in the Late Pottery Neolithic and pre-Ghassulian Chalcolithic times.
Beeswax is composed of fatty acids, odd numbered n-alkanes and wax esters. Focusing on the most s... more Beeswax is composed of fatty acids, odd numbered n-alkanes and wax esters. Focusing on the most stable components of beeswax, namely the n-alkanes, we have found by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses of combs from twelve colonies from Israel and Jordan that as beeswax ages and darkens its n-alkane composition changes. The amount of even numbered n-alkanes (C22– C32) is significantly higher in darker colored beeswax as compared to light colored beeswax. We attribute this in part to the accumulation of cuticular residues found in the darker colored comb cells. Cuticular residues are known to contain C23–C32 odd and even numbered n-alkanes. Die Hauptbestandteile von Bienenwachs sind fettlösliche Substanzen wie Fettsäuren, langkettige Alkohole, geradzahlige n-Alkane und Wachsester (Tulloch, 1970; Aichholz and Lorbeer, 2000). Wir untersuchten die Zusammensetzung der n-Alkane in unterschiedlich gefärbtem Bienenwachs. Die Farbveränderungen der Wabe sind von der Brutaktivität abhängig und die dunkle Farbe soll durch eine Anhäufung von Resten der Nymphenhäutchen verursacht werden (Jay, 1963, Hepburn and Kurstjens, 1988; Hepburn et al., 1991; Berry and Delaplane, 2001). Gaschromatographie (GC) und GC—Massenspektrometrie wurden für die Analysen eingesetzt (Evershed et al., 1997; Regert et al., 2001). Wie bestätigten, dass helles Bienenwachs vor allem ungeradzahlige Alkane enthält. Überraschenderweise stellten wir fest, dass das dunkle Bienenwachs zusätzlich zu den ungeraden Alkanen durchschnittlich drei Mal mehr geradzahlige Alkane enthält (Abb. 3 und 4). Die Quelle für die geradzahligen Alkane im dunkleren Bienenwachs sind sehr wahrscheinlich die Wachse auf der Bienenkutikula, die sich im Bereich des Brutnestes anreichern. Es ist bekannt, dass diese Kutikulawachse sowohl geradzahlige als auch ungeradzahlige Alkane enthalten (Salvy et al., 2001). Dieser neue Befund zeigt, dass unterschiedliche Aktivitäten der Bienen innerhalb des Bienenvolkes Auswirkungen auf die Zusammensetzung des Bienenwachses haben (Hepburn and Kurstjens, 1988; Berry and Delaplane, 2001).
During salvage excavations carried out in 2013 on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, a s... more During salvage excavations carried out in 2013 on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, a seemingly isolated clay coffin with anthropoid lid was uncovered on the lower east slope of Tel Shadud in the Jezreel Valley (van den Brink et al., 2016). The coffin and associated funerary gifts bear strong resemblance to comparable specimens known foremost from Deir el-Balah in the Gaza strip and Bet She'an in the Jordan Valley. This new find should be placed within the context of the Egyptian New Kingdom colonization process of the region during the Late Bronze Age II and succeeding Iron Age I (van den Brink et al., In press). The coffin was systematically sampled for absorbed organic compounds along its profile. The results of the residue analysis reveals a particular burial aspect associated with pre-burial treatment of the coffin.
Several micro-archaeological methods are suggested in this study in order to identify cess deposi... more Several micro-archaeological methods are suggested in this study in order to identify cess deposits. These methods were deployed at a Near Eastern mound (Megiddo, Israel), yet are applicable to any archaeological site anywhere in the world. The study presented here, was performed on a 2–3 mm thick yellowish fibrous material , ca. 40 × 15 cm in size, which was discovered in Area H at Tel Megiddo in relation to a well-built structure dating to the Late Bronze Age IIA (mid-14th century BCE). Area H is located near the remains of a large Late Bronze Age palace, which had been excavated in the early 20th century. In order to reveal the nature of the yel-lowish fibrous material we carried out infrared spectroscopy, petrographic microscopy and lipid analyses. The results led us to suggest that this substance is related to fecal matter. We therefore analyzed it for pollen and gastrointestinal parasite remains. While the latter were for the most part absent, the palynological investigation provided information about dietary components that are usually under-represented in the reconstruction of veg-etative diets, especially beverages and possible use of medicinal plants, consumed by the Megiddo residents, who may had some link to the palace. The paper demonstrates how diverse micro-archaeological analyses complement each other, and when applied in concert yield novel information about the past.
When did the trade in lucrative spices from South Asia to the West commence? Recent organic resid... more When did the trade in lucrative spices from South Asia to the West commence? Recent organic residue analyses performed on small early Iron Age (11th–late 10th century BCE) Phoenician clay flasks provide the first concrete archaeological evidence that such sustainable trade took place much earlier than hitherto suspected. The analysis shows that several of the flasks contained cinnamon, which in this period could only have originated in South/Southeast Asia. Here, we first summarize the rationale and results of that study. Subsequently, we provide an updated review of all sources of data relevant to the question at hand—archaeological, analytical, and textual. Finally, we offer suggestions for future research on the Asian spice trade with the West.
In Yavneh I (Kletter et al. 2010) we published the results obtained through organic residue analy... more In Yavneh I (Kletter et al. 2010) we published the results obtained through organic residue analysis performed on 17 chalices and two bowls from the Yavneh repository pit (Namdar et al. 2010). In our previous paper we showed that plant materials were consumed in the chalices and suggested that the chalices were likely used as incense burners. In the present study we report the results of additional chemical analysis performed on eleven chalices and on seven juglets from Yavneh. Juglets are a minor component of the ceramic assemblage in this pit and consist of a few dozen types. The particular juglets examined in this study are called “hybrid juglets”. They are small, closed vessels (ca. 6-7 cm in height) with a rounded body and base. Only 12 hybrid juglets were found in the pit (Panitz-Cohen 2010:126). Although the manner in which these hybrid juglets were used is unknown, their presence in a repository pit close to a presumed Iron Age Philistine shrine, suggests that they may have played a cultic role. Hence, as small containers, the investigation of this role through the study of their organic contents was deemed both intriguing and of potentially great significance. Combining the two sets of data we try to draw some new insights regarding the cultic rituals that took place in the nearby shrine and the trade that was involved in the maintenance of these practices.
The paper attempts to integrate the study of the manufacture, function
and discard of chalices fr... more The paper attempts to integrate the study of the manufacture, function and discard of chalices from three sites in Philistia in order to form a coherent ‘life-cycle story’ of this vessel type. The analyses include examination of the sources of the ceramic raw material using petrography; study of the modes of manufacture, employing visual inspection and ethnographic data; and examination of the function of these vessels, using organic residue analysis. By combining these analytic perspectives, the authors shed new light on cultic practices in Iron Age Philistia and offer an alternative view of Philistine identity.
Several occupation levels dating to the sixth to fifth millennia BC (the Wadi Rabah and pre-Ghass... more Several occupation levels dating to the sixth to fifth millennia BC (the Wadi Rabah and pre-Ghassulian Late Neolithic and Chalcolithic cultures as well as the Early Bronze Age IBII) were found in a salvage excavation conducted at Ein Zippori in the lower Galilee. Pottery vessels from the different periods were sampled for organic residue analysis study and were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Olive oil was one of the most common organic residues detected in the vessels, from the levels of the Wadi Rabah occupation and onwards (sixth to fifth millennia BC). This find throws new light on the exploitation of olives in the southern Levant as well as on the large-scale production and consumption of olive oil in the Late Pottery Neolithic and pre-Ghassulian Chalcolithic times.
Beeswax is composed of fatty acids, odd numbered n-alkanes and wax esters. Focusing on the most s... more Beeswax is composed of fatty acids, odd numbered n-alkanes and wax esters. Focusing on the most stable components of beeswax, namely the n-alkanes, we have found by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses of combs from twelve colonies from Israel and Jordan that as beeswax ages and darkens its n-alkane composition changes. The amount of even numbered n-alkanes (C22– C32) is significantly higher in darker colored beeswax as compared to light colored beeswax. We attribute this in part to the accumulation of cuticular residues found in the darker colored comb cells. Cuticular residues are known to contain C23–C32 odd and even numbered n-alkanes. Die Hauptbestandteile von Bienenwachs sind fettlösliche Substanzen wie Fettsäuren, langkettige Alkohole, geradzahlige n-Alkane und Wachsester (Tulloch, 1970; Aichholz and Lorbeer, 2000). Wir untersuchten die Zusammensetzung der n-Alkane in unterschiedlich gefärbtem Bienenwachs. Die Farbveränderungen der Wabe sind von der Brutaktivität abhängig und die dunkle Farbe soll durch eine Anhäufung von Resten der Nymphenhäutchen verursacht werden (Jay, 1963, Hepburn and Kurstjens, 1988; Hepburn et al., 1991; Berry and Delaplane, 2001). Gaschromatographie (GC) und GC—Massenspektrometrie wurden für die Analysen eingesetzt (Evershed et al., 1997; Regert et al., 2001). Wie bestätigten, dass helles Bienenwachs vor allem ungeradzahlige Alkane enthält. Überraschenderweise stellten wir fest, dass das dunkle Bienenwachs zusätzlich zu den ungeraden Alkanen durchschnittlich drei Mal mehr geradzahlige Alkane enthält (Abb. 3 und 4). Die Quelle für die geradzahligen Alkane im dunkleren Bienenwachs sind sehr wahrscheinlich die Wachse auf der Bienenkutikula, die sich im Bereich des Brutnestes anreichern. Es ist bekannt, dass diese Kutikulawachse sowohl geradzahlige als auch ungeradzahlige Alkane enthalten (Salvy et al., 2001). Dieser neue Befund zeigt, dass unterschiedliche Aktivitäten der Bienen innerhalb des Bienenvolkes Auswirkungen auf die Zusammensetzung des Bienenwachses haben (Hepburn and Kurstjens, 1988; Berry and Delaplane, 2001).
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Papers by Dvory Namdar
17 chalices and two bowls from the Yavneh repository pit (Namdar et al. 2010). In our previous paper we showed
that plant materials were consumed in the chalices and suggested that the chalices were likely used as incense burners.
In the present study we report the results of additional chemical analysis performed on eleven chalices and on
seven juglets from Yavneh.
Juglets are a minor component of the ceramic assemblage in this pit and consist of a few dozen types. The
particular juglets examined in this study are called “hybrid juglets”. They are small, closed vessels (ca. 6-7 cm in
height) with a rounded body and base. Only 12 hybrid juglets were found in the pit (Panitz-Cohen 2010:126). Although
the manner in which these hybrid juglets were used is unknown, their presence in a repository pit close to a
presumed Iron Age Philistine shrine, suggests that they may have played a cultic role. Hence, as small containers,
the investigation of this role through the study of their organic contents was deemed both intriguing and of potentially
great significance.
Combining the two sets of data we try to draw some new insights regarding the cultic rituals that took place
in the nearby shrine and the trade that was involved in the maintenance of these practices.
and discard of chalices from three sites in Philistia in order to form a
coherent ‘life-cycle story’ of this vessel type. The analyses include
examination of the sources of the ceramic raw material using petrography;
study of the modes of manufacture, employing visual inspection and
ethnographic data; and examination of the function of these vessels, using
organic residue analysis. By combining these analytic perspectives, the
authors shed new light on cultic practices in Iron Age Philistia and offer
an alternative view of Philistine identity.
Chalcolithic cultures as well as the Early Bronze Age IBII) were found in a salvage excavation conducted at Ein Zippori
in the lower Galilee. Pottery vessels from the different periods were sampled for organic residue analysis study and were
analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Olive oil was one of the most
common organic residues detected in the vessels, from the levels of the Wadi Rabah occupation and onwards (sixth to fifth
millennia BC). This find throws new light on the exploitation of olives in the southern Levant as well as on the large-scale
production and consumption of olive oil in the Late Pottery Neolithic and pre-Ghassulian Chalcolithic times.
17 chalices and two bowls from the Yavneh repository pit (Namdar et al. 2010). In our previous paper we showed
that plant materials were consumed in the chalices and suggested that the chalices were likely used as incense burners.
In the present study we report the results of additional chemical analysis performed on eleven chalices and on
seven juglets from Yavneh.
Juglets are a minor component of the ceramic assemblage in this pit and consist of a few dozen types. The
particular juglets examined in this study are called “hybrid juglets”. They are small, closed vessels (ca. 6-7 cm in
height) with a rounded body and base. Only 12 hybrid juglets were found in the pit (Panitz-Cohen 2010:126). Although
the manner in which these hybrid juglets were used is unknown, their presence in a repository pit close to a
presumed Iron Age Philistine shrine, suggests that they may have played a cultic role. Hence, as small containers,
the investigation of this role through the study of their organic contents was deemed both intriguing and of potentially
great significance.
Combining the two sets of data we try to draw some new insights regarding the cultic rituals that took place
in the nearby shrine and the trade that was involved in the maintenance of these practices.
and discard of chalices from three sites in Philistia in order to form a
coherent ‘life-cycle story’ of this vessel type. The analyses include
examination of the sources of the ceramic raw material using petrography;
study of the modes of manufacture, employing visual inspection and
ethnographic data; and examination of the function of these vessels, using
organic residue analysis. By combining these analytic perspectives, the
authors shed new light on cultic practices in Iron Age Philistia and offer
an alternative view of Philistine identity.
Chalcolithic cultures as well as the Early Bronze Age IBII) were found in a salvage excavation conducted at Ein Zippori
in the lower Galilee. Pottery vessels from the different periods were sampled for organic residue analysis study and were
analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Olive oil was one of the most
common organic residues detected in the vessels, from the levels of the Wadi Rabah occupation and onwards (sixth to fifth
millennia BC). This find throws new light on the exploitation of olives in the southern Levant as well as on the large-scale
production and consumption of olive oil in the Late Pottery Neolithic and pre-Ghassulian Chalcolithic times.