Pine traces at Star Carr: Evidence from residues on stone tools. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Croft, Shannon; Colonese, André Carlo; Lucquin, Alexandre; Craig, Oliver E.; Conneller, Chantal; Milner, Nicky
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 21(2018)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 31
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Residue analysis -- Stone tools -- Reflected visible light microscopy (VLM) -- Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) -- Mesolithic -- Star Carr; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2018.06.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Abstract: The combined use of microscopy and organic residue analysis on stone tools from the Early Mesolithic site of Star Carr, England, has tentatively identified residues consistent with pine (Pinaceae family) tree compounds. Microscopic residues from nine stone tools, originating from several locations and dated between ca 9300–8500 cal BC, were found to contain traces of diterpene compounds, consistent with dehydroabietic acid (DHA), 7-oxo-dehydroabietic acid (7-oxo-DHA), and dehydro-7-dehydroabietic acid (dehydro-7-DHA) through analysis by GC–MS. Sediment samples taken directly underneath each tool did not contain any of the above compounds associated with Pinaceae. The results suggest the use of Pinaceae resin by Early Mesolithic hunter-gatherers in this region. Highlights: First time conifer resins are directly associated with stone tools from Star Carr. First use of GC–MS on stone tools with residues only visible at a microscopic scale. Sediment samples from burial environment yielded no resin compounds. Link suggested between stone tools and their use in Early Mesolithic Britain.