`Palaeoshellomics' reveals the use of freshwater mother-of-pearl in prehistory

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Titre`Palaeoshellomics' reveals the use of freshwater mother-of-pearl in prehistory
Type de publicationJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuteursSakalauskaite J, Andersen SH, Biagi P, Borrello MA, Cocquerez T, Colonese ACarlo, Dal Bello F, Girod A, Heumuller M, Koon H, Mandili G, Medana C, Penkman KEH, Plasseraud L, Schlichtherle H, Taylor S, Tokarski C, Thomas J, Wilson J, Marin F, Demarchi B
JournalELIFE
Volume8
Paginatione45644
Date PublishedMAY 7
Type of ArticleArticle
ISSN2050-084X
Résumé

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.

DOI10.7554/eLife.45644