Organic substances from Egyptian jars of the Early Dynastic period (3100–2700 BCE): Mode of preparation, alteration processes and botanical (re)assessment of "cedrium". (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sarret, Mathilde; Adam, Pierre; Schaeffer, Philippe; Ebert, Quentin; Perthuison, Julien; Pierrat-Bonnefois, Geneviève
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 14(2017)
• Page Start: 420
• Page End: 431
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Ancient Egypt -- Sesquiterpenoids -- Cedar -- Juniper -- Oxidation -- Archaeometry -- Cedrium; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2017.06.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Abstract: Organic substances from three jars found at Abydos in the tombs of Kings from the two first Egyptian dynasties (3100–2700 BCE) were investigated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in order to assess their biological origin, use and mode of preparation. The organic material was found to correspond to essential oils from conifers severely altered/oxidized. A predominant contribution from Cedrus libani was determined from the identification of sesquiterpenoid derivatives of the himachalene series which constitute new molecular tools for the identification of ancient oils made from real cedars. The presence of cuparene-related terpenoids suggests an additional contribution of members from the Cupressaceae family (junipers, cypresses). The genuine substances were most likely prepared in the Levant since neither C. libani nor junipers or cypresses are native from Egypt. Despite obvious analogies with "cedrium" used for embalming during later periods, their use as ingredients for embalming remains uncertain because true embalming only began in Egypt after 2500 BCE. Instead, it is proposed that these substances have been used as cosmetics, medicinal substances or for cultual purposes. The predominance of low molecular weight sesquiterpenoids and the absence of typical markers for wood tars indicate that the substances have possibly been prepared by steam-distillation of odoriferous plant material rather than by pyrolysis. Our study gives clues to the controversy concerning the composition of "cedrium", indicating that it most likely originates from mixed true cedar and junipers or cypresses, and not exclusively from real cedar vs. juniper oil. Highlights: Organic substances from jars of the Early Dynastic period investigated by GC–MS Organic material corresponds to severely oxidized essential oils from conifers Contribution from Cedrus libani determined from the identification of himachalene derivatives Contribution from junipers or cypresses shown by the presence of cuparene-related terpenoids Substances likely prepared by steam-distillation of plant material