Publication:
Unveiling the culinary tradition of focaccia in Late Neolithic Mesopotamia by way of the integration of use-wear, phytolith, and organic-residue analyses

Placeholder

Organizational Units

Program

School / College / Institute

College of Social Sciences and Humanities

KU-Authors

KU Authors

Co-Authors

Taranto, Sergio
Barcons, Adria Breu
Portillo, Marta
Le Miere, Marie
Gomez, Anna Bach
Molist, Miquel
Lemorini, Cristina

Publication Date

Language

Embargo Status

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Alternative Title

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that in Upper Mesopotamia during the Late Neolithic period, specifically between 6400 and 5900 BCE, simple cereal flour doughs were baked in domed ovens using ceramic pans, commonly known as husking trays. Adopting an integrated approach that investigates various types of evidence, such as use-wear, phytoliths, and organic residues, we further refined and explored this hypothesis. Analysis of a sample of 13 sherds belonging to these trays from Mezraa Teleilat, Akar and ccedil;ay Tepe, and Tell Sabi Abyad provides evidence that a limited number of them could have been used to bake 'focaccia'-like products with ingredients such as lard or oil. This research project not only further strengthens the theory that husking trays could have been used for baking, but also provides insights into the variety and elaboration of food practices that existed amongst early agricultural communities, demonstrating the existence of a number of different 'recipes' for a particular dish. Furthermore, from a methodological perspective, this study highlights how only an integrated approach can contribute to the knowledge of the various culinary traits and traditions of ancient communities.

Source

Publisher

Nature Portfolio

Subject

Multidisciplinary sciences

Citation

Has Part

Source

Scientific Reports

Book Series Title

Edition

DOI

10.1038/s41598-024-78019-9

item.page.datauri

Link

Rights

Rights URL (CC Link)

Copyrights Note

Endorsement

Review

Supplemented By

Referenced By

0

Views

0

Downloads

View PlumX Details