The challenge of the unique and unprecedented, comment on Agnihorti et al. (2021). (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bates, J.; Lancelotti, C.; Suryanarayan, A.; Madella, M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 39(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Indus civilization -- Archaeobotany -- Geochemistry -- Isotopes -- Food-balls; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2021.103174
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Highlights: Unique find of seven possibly organic-rich objects in Indus settlement. Multi-proxy approach used to explore the objects. Taphonomic and preservation pathways remain unclear. There are multiple possible interpretations for these objects beyond assumed ritual and climate change adaptation roles. Without further study regarding context and content the role of the objects remains unclear. Abstract: Recently, Agnihorti et al. reported on the unique discovery of seven 'organic rich balls' from the Early-Mature Harappan period site of 4MSR (Binjor). Using a combination of microbotanical, geochemical and isotopic analysis they argued that the objects were multi-grained food-balls that had ritual and social functions, with further reaching implications for adaptations to much later period climate change in the Late Harappan. We argue in this paper that there are concerns relating to how the multi-proxy analyses were applied to the objects that raises questions about the interpretation of these unique objects as 'food-balls', or even wholly organic in nature, and that as a result, their presumed ritual connotations in particular are difficult to sustain. Linking these complex objects with larger social and climate change models in light of these methodological analytical challenges will therefore require further analysis which we recommend in this response paper.