In 1906, Charles T. Currelly participated in excavations at Deir el-Bahri, Egypt, recovering votive offerings from the Temple of Hathor (Dynasty XVIII, reign of Hatshepsut, 1479–1458 BCE). These objects became part of the founding collection of the Royal Ontario Museum, where Currelly served as the first director. Among the offerings are several paintings on linen cloth. During examination of one painted textile, a border fringe with cream (suspected undyed), yellow and blue looped threads was sampled and analysed for dyes using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The yellow threads were found to contain a tannin-rich dyestuff, likely derived from Rhus spp., a common dye in ancient Egypt. Unexpectedly, the blue threads yielded brominated-indigoid marker compounds, indicating the use of a Murex-derived dye. While purple shellfish dye is rare due to the high cost of its complex production, blue shellfish dye is even more exceptional and has only been identified a handful of times on archaeological textiles. Calculated values of di-brominated to mono-brominated indigoid compounds suggests the dye originated from an indigotin-rich type of Hexaplex trunculus snail, a Mediterranean species. This finding represents a rare example of blue shellfish dye use in ancient Egypt and provides new insights into the dyeing technologies of Dynasty XVIII and the importance of this sky-blue colour in the worship of the goddess Hathor.

There is longstanding evidence in the archaeological record of southern Africa for the application of hafting adhesives in the production of composite tool technology. Despite the limitations in the preservation of organics in archaeological contexts, the preservation of these materials can inform us about aspects of technological production and function, including hafting arrangements, adhesive production and resource acquisition. In some instances where we see the prevalence of organic materials that are at odds with the ecological landscape, these same materials can also elucidate social interactions between cultural groups. This paper presents the results of the analysis by microscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of hafting residues from stone tools from the ceramic final Later Stone Age assemblages at Sehonghong, Lesotho. It argues that an adoption of novel resources including Pinus sp. resin, castor oil and paraffin by nineteenth-century San facilitated the continued existence of hunter-gatherer lifeways in increasingly marginalised circumstances amid tense relationships between the last hunter-gatherers of the Maloti-Drakensberg, newly arriving Basotho communities and European colonists.

Tetramethylbenzidine based chemical reagent test strips are often used in forensic science as a presumptive test for blood. These tests are designed as urinalysis test strips and include brands such as Combur (R), HENSOTest (R), Hemastix (R), MultiStix (R) and Chemstrip (R). They are used because they are simple to apply, stable, temperature tolerant and cost effective. The addition of a chelating agent, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid increases the selectivity of this presumptive test for blood. This is a method validation for the hemoglobin chemical reagent test strip with EDTA. A range of substances, metal compounds, chemical solutions, blood and mixtures were tested in this method validation. The chelation with EDTA successfully prevented non-blood (false) positive results from all the substances tested and consistently produced a positive result for blood on a variety of surfaces. This study has shown that this method is capable of discriminating a blood stain on copper metal surfaces and eliminate the positive results generated by clean-up solutions such as hydrogen peroxide, which usually produce a positive result for most other presumptive tests for blood. This modified method is a simple, effective and reliable test for blood stains. A variety of variations were evaluated in this study. The simplest method of application was spraying the surface of the stain with a 0.5 M EDTA solution and testing the surface of the stain, and only requires a spray bottle of 0.5 M EDTA and the chemical reagent test strip. This spray approach is rugged and can be applied to horizontal, vertical and underside surfaces and requires little additional training. Overall, this study provides the forensic science community with an improved method more easily used, stored, transported and selective for blood, than luminol and safer than TMB. (C) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract Composite, multi-component tool technologies held together by means of a join (or haft) have a well-established record within southern Africa, temporally spanning the region’s Middle Stone Age through the Later Stone Age to historic and ethnographic narratives. The use of hafting adhesives, the glue of composite technologies, is a similarly well-established phenomenon, ensuring that users can create reliable, maintainable tools. The main organic components of these malleable technologies are sourced from plant exudates, including resins, gums, and latexes derived from several plant families, alongside animal fats, waxes, and inorganic minerals. Hafting adhesive finds within southern Africa’s archaeological record broadly fit into three categories: complete or relatively complete hafted implements, trace on inserts, and lumps of material. The frequency and location of these largely organic artefacts are invariably associated with differential preservation and regions where significant archaeological surveys have been conducted since the 1960s. Compositional information of hafting adhesives, however, comes from disparate sources: a handful of archaeometric studies on chemical composition from Middle Stone Age and Later Stone Age contexts as well as historic and ethnographic observations. Ethnographic accounts have provided models in the complexity of adhesive manufacture and ingredient acquisition, while archaeological case studies in chemical composition of adhesives emphasize differences in adhesive production and the use of resources that are wholly absent from the records of the last two centuries. Despite these discrepancies, research demonstrates that these components of composite tools remain high-value commodities in their own right and more than a step in the chaîne opératoire of a composite implement.

Kohl, a dark eye cosmetic, is a well-known part of Ancient Egyptian culture. Modern chemical analyses of kohls have largely found lead-based inorganic constituents, whereas earlier studies argued for a much broader range of constituents. Furthermore, organic materials in kohls remain severely understudied. This raises questions regarding the true diversity of materials and recipes used to produce kohls. We analysed the contents of 11 kohl containers from the Petrie Museum collection in London. The objects selected cover a broad range of times and locations in Egypt. Our multi-analytical approach allowed us to characterise both inorganic and organic components. Our data show that inorganic ingredients in kohl recipes are not only lead-based but also manganese- and silicon-based. Our analyses also revealed that organic ingredients derived from both plant and animal sources were commonly used in kohl recipes and sometimes even represent the main constituent. All these findings point towards more varied recipes than initially thought and significantly shift our understanding of Ancient Egyptian kohls.

Charles T. Currelly, first director of the Royal Ontario Museum, participated in excavations of the tomb of King Nebhepetre, now known as Mentuhotep II, (Dynasty XI) in Deir el-Bahri, Egypt in 1906. He brought to Canada many objects from the excavations, and objects that he purchased while in Egypt; these formed the initial collection of the museum. Among the objects were seven fragments of fine linen cloth with intricate pleat patterns. Recently, the cloths became the subject of a study to learn how they had retained their pleats for 4000 years. Samples were examined and analysed using polarised light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-electron dispersive X-ray spectrometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Three of the cloths were likely fragments of clothing re-purposed as bandages and were found to be saturated in mummification balms composed of Pinaceae resin, Pistacia resin, and an essential oil characterised by a high abundance of cedrol, possibly originating from a juniper species. All seven of the cloths were found to have traces of polysaccharides from two probable sources: an arabinogalactan gum such as gum arabic or a fruit gum, and a polyglucoside, possibly starch.

Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) is an invaluable tool in the analysis of cultural heritage materials, particularly those containing complex polymerised components, whether natural or synthetic in origin. As the field embraces non-destructive and micro-sampling analysis, it is not always possible to perform traditional flash Py-GC-MS due to the sample size requirements of the technique, which are typically in the range of 50-100 mu g. The development of a pyrolysis method using a Thermal Separation Probe (Agilent Technologies Inc.) has allowed for splitless Py-GC-MS analysis to be carried out on much smaller samples. This technique makes use of a multi-mode inlet that is capable of rapidly heating to 450 degrees C. Because pyrolysis takes place within the inlet, the methodology has been designated Direct Inlet Pyrolysis (DIP). Examples of synthetic reference materials, as well as case studies of archaeological residues and a varnish from the 1960 s were employed to demonstrate this adapted analytical technique. The results obtained using DIP-GC-MS were compared to published thermal degradation data and higher-temperature flash Py-GC-MS chromatograms. The results indicate that DIP-GC-MS can characterise the organic fraction of complex polymeric samples. Differences in pyrolysate formation and relative abundance occur for some polymers which are caused by lower and prolonged pyrolysis conditions. The technique can be performed in splitless mode with just a few micrograms of precious sample from cultural heritage objects, or by employing a low split if desired for more abundant reference materials. Like other Py-GC-MS methods, the on-line use of a reagent such as tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) allows for the derivatisation of polar functional groups.

Peru Balsam, a resinous substance derived from Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae, has historically been used as a topical ointment for various skin conditions such as scabies, poorly healing wounds, eczema, and haemorrhoids. The ingredients responsible for these properties are not fully elucidated. We investigated the chemical composition of two Peru Balsam samples, one historical and one modern, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to identify the active ingredients responsible for its pharmaceutical properties. Both Peru Balsam specimens investigated had similar compositions, showing the stability of the substance. Components identified are effective against scabies, exhibit antimicrobial activity and aid skin penetration. These properties are consistent with historical uses of Peru Balsam. Several ingredients are also known allergens. This study, combining chemical information with scientific literature related to pharmaceutical properties of natural substances, represents a breakthrough in the elucidation of active ingredients in Peru Balsam.

Hafting adhesives play a crucial role in the study of composite objects such as hunting weapons. However, they tend to degrade rapidly and, when they exceptionally preserve, they represent only micro remains. Over the last 20 years, different techniques have been applied to study such hafting residues. These techniques include optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and gas chromatography / mass spectrometry. Hafting adhesives have also been radiocarbon dated in some cases. Here, we present a multi-analytical approach using these techniques as well as photogrammetry and FTIR spectroscopy. Our integrated approach, combining these six techniques in a strategic order, allows us to document, characterise chemically and date hafting adhesives. We applied this methodology to a set of stone tools discovered in Sart-Saint-Laurent (Belgium) without any archaeological context. This multi-analytical work revealed that several of the tools have been hafted with a heated Pinaceae resin around the 2nd-4th century CE, although some of the artefacts can be attributed to the Neolithic. More generally, this work demonstrates the complementary nature of all the techniques employed and their crucial contribution to fully elucidate hafting techniques.

The characterisation of hafting adhesives, the glue of composite tools, by chemical analysis and microscopy provides a means by which we may evaluate these plastic components of technologies — reliable systems that have allowed members of our species to exist in dynamic environments and exploit a variety of resources. In southern Africa, the well-preserved assemblages of the Later Stone Age present a unique opportunity to evaluate the raw material sources of these adhesives. This thesis highlights the findings of the first multi-site study of hafting adhesives from the region’s Holocene assemblages. The results of a multi-method microscopic and chemical analysis identified a predominance of mixed organic and inorganic compound adhesives identified at the case study sites and suggest there is evidence to support variations in adhesive sources between ecological biomes and through time depending on the context. Analysis of material from Sehonghong (Lesotho, Grassland Biome) suggests a transition to the use of non-local adhesive materials among the last hunter-gatherer populations of the site. Evidence from Melkhoutboom in the Thicket Biome highlights the longstanding use of conifer pitch throughout the Holocene, while isolated hafted implements recovered from coastal caves further west along Africa’s southernmost coastline indicate a continued use of the same manufactured product into the Forest Biome. From the late Holocene assemblages at Boomplaas and Renbaan in the Fynbos Biome, we see a diversification of resources: latex exudates from the genera Euphorbia and Ammocharis were identified at Boomplaas, while a hitherto unknown composite adhesive recipe composed predominantly of animal products and inorganic minerals was found at the Olifant’s River valley site of Renbaan. The current and novel adhesive recipes identified within these datasets highlight the inherent value of the adhesive components themselves and provide insight into the nature of these plastic technologies, the narrative of adhesive manufacture in southern Africa and current archaeological discussions in this region.

"African archaeology without frontiers: papers from the 2014 PanAfrican Archaeological Association Congress." Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa, 53(1), pp. 122–123

Human-mediated biological exchange has had global social and ecological impacts. In sub-Saharan Africa, several domestic and commensal animals were introduced from Asia in the pre-modern period; however, the timing and nature of these introductions remain contentious. One model supports introduction to the eastern African coast after the mid-first millennium CE, while another posits introduction dating back to 3000 BCE. These distinct scenarios have implications for understanding the emergence of long-distance maritime connectivity, and the ecological and economic impacts of introduced species. Resolution of this longstanding debate requires new efforts, given the lack of well-dated fauna from high-precision excavations, and ambiguous osteomorphological identifications. We analysed faunal remains from 22 eastern African sites spanning a wide geographic and chronological range, and applied biomolecular techniques to confirm identifications of two Asian taxa: domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) and black rat (Rattus rattus). Our approach included ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis aided by BLAST-based bioinformatics, Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) collagen fingerprinting, and direct AMS (accelerator mass spectrometry) radiocarbon dating. Our results support a late, mid-first millennium CE introduction of these species. We discuss the implications of our findings for models of biological exchange, and emphasize the applicability of our approach to tropical areas with poor bone preservation.

ABSTRACT The late Pleistocene and Holocene history of eastern Africa is complex and major gaps remain in our understanding of human occupation during this period. Questions concerning the identities, geographical distributions and chronologies of foraging, herding and agricultural populations — often problematically equated with the chronological labels ‘Later Stone Age (LSA)’, ‘Neolithic’ and ‘Iron Age’ — are still unresolved. Previous studies at the site of Kuumbi Cave in the Zanzibar Archipelago of Tanzania reported late Pleistocene Middle Stone Age (MSA) and LSA, mid-Holocene Neolithic and late Holocene Iron Age occupations (Sinclair et al. 2006; Chami 2009). Kuumbi Cave considerably extends the chronology of human occupation on the eastern African coast and findings from the site have been the basis for the somewhat contentious identification of both a coastal Neolithic culture and early chicken, a domesticate that was introduced to Africa from Asia. The site therefore warrants further investigation. Here we report on a new excavation of the Kuumbi Cave sequence that has produced a suite of 20 radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dates. Our results suggest that the cave’s stratigraphy is complex, reflecting taphonomic processes that present interpretive and dating challenges. Our assessment of the stratigraphic sequence demonstrates three phases of habitation, two of which reflect terminal Pleistocene occupation and are characterised by quartz microliths, bone points and the exploitation of terrestrial and marine species, and one of which reflects later reoccupation by AD 600. In this latter phase, Kuumbi Cave was inhabited by a population with a locally distinct material culture that included idiosyncratic Tana or Triangular Incised Ware ceramics and medium-sized limestone stone tools, but with a subsistence economy similar to that of the late Pleistocene, albeit with more emphasis on marine foods and smaller terrestrial mammals. Our results suggest that Kuumbi Cave may have been unoccupied for much of the Holocene, after Zanzibar became an island. Our findings also place into question earlier identifications of domesticates, Asian fauna and a mid-Holocene Neolithic culture at the site.

This study presents the chemical analysis of an amorphous organic residue extracted from a 7th–early 8th century CE brass artefact from the trading port of Unguja Ukuu, Zanzibar, Tanzania, hypothesised to be an incense burner. The artefact is a very rare and highly significant find in East Africa, with only one other example being found previously (also at the same site), and likely represents early contact between coastal East Africa and the Indian Ocean world. Chemical analysis of the residue adhering to this artefact was undertaken to confirm its use to burn incense, and to determine whether the resin used was local or exotic to East Africa and thus likely acquired through long-distance trade. The residue extract was analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) and identified as Zanzibar copal (Hymenaea verrucosa Gaertn.), a local species that rose to major importance in colonial period trade. The results obtained from this study provide the first direct archaeological evidence for the ancient use of this East African species as an aromatic, suggesting that it might have had a much earlier role in long-distance incense trade than previously demonstrated. This finding also provides insights into local East African engagement with the material culture of the Indian Ocean world.

A presumptive test is a rapid screening method that indicates the possible identity of a substance. To ensure a presumptive test is reliable, accurate and replicable, it has to be validated. In this paper we present a method validation for the cost-effective, presumptive blood test, Hemastix® with sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) specifically for archaeology and buried residues. Hemastix®, a haemoglobin specific chemical reagent test strip (Hb-CRTS), was used with the addition of a chelating agent (EDTA) which increases the specificity of this test. It was conducted using a collection of 146 substances (plant, animal, metal compounds, chemical solutions including blood), 6 experimentally degraded samples, 177 experimental artefacts, 238 reference samples (on microscope slides) and 39 mixtures of substances. We also compared the Hemastix® and Hemastix® with EDTA test to two other Hb-CRTSs (URS-10 and Chemstrip® 10MD) and two additional presumptive tests, the tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) test and the phenolphthalein test. The results demonstrate that Hemastix® is the most specific, sensitive and cost-effective presumptive test evaluated which can be substituted with any other Hb-CRTS. Although the longevity and survival of haemoglobin on archaeological artefacts requires further investigation, the method validation described here supports Hemastix® performed with EDTA as being a reliable presumptive test for the presence of residual blood on buried artefacts.

The Arabian Peninsula is a key region for understanding hominin dispersals and the effect of climate change on prehistoric demography, although little information on these topics is presently available owing to the poor preservation of archaeological sites in this desert environment. Here, we describe the discovery of three stratified and buried archaeological sites in the Nefud Desert, which includes the oldest dated occupation for the region. The stone tool assemblages are identified as a Middle Palaeolithic industry that includes Levallois manufacturing methods and the production of tools on flakes. Hominin occupations correspond with humid periods, particularly Marine Isotope Stages 7 and 5 of the Late Pleistocene. The Middle Palaeolithic occupations were situated along the Jubbah palaeolake-shores, in a grassland setting with some trees. Populations procured different raw materials across the lake region to manufacture stone tools, using the implements to process plants and animals. To reach the Jubbah palaeolake, Middle Palaeolithic populations travelled into the ameliorated Nefud Desert interior, possibly gaining access from multiple directions, either using routes from the north and west (the Levant and the Sinai), the north (the Mesopotamian plains and the Euphrates basin), or the east (the Persian Gulf). The Jubbah stone tool assemblages have their own suite of technological characters, but have types reminiscent of both African Middle Stone Age and Levantine Middle Palaeolithic industries. Comparative inter-regional analysis of core technology indicates morphological similarities with the Levantine Tabun C assemblage, associated with human fossils controversially identified as either Neanderthals or Homo sapiens.