Visit organic residues found on archaeological artifacts provide a unique window on the practices and lifestyles of ancient societies. Thanks to advanced scientific analysis, it is now possible to identify their origin and use.
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Visit organic residues found on artifacts such as amphorae, vases, or flasks, constitute direct evidence of past human practices.
They provide invaluable information on lifestyles, eating habits, ancestral burial practices and even trade in the past. For example, the analysis of Neolithic ceramics has revealed the presence of traces of milk in pottery, providing a better understanding of dairy farming and consumption practices at the time.
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The identification of organic residues relies on the use of cutting-edge analytical techniques that enable fine characterization of the chemical compounds present in samples. At CIRAM supports, several methods are employed to guarantee accurate and reliable analysis:
The applications of these analyses are many and touch on different aspects of archaeology :
The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (IRTF), used in ATR mode or microscopy, is an essential analytical technique for identifying major families of organic compounds in archaeological materialsThis method allows for the detection of lipids, waxes, natural resins, or proteins from their characteristic spectral signatures.
However, the presence of mineral matter can generate spectral interference, making the identification of organic compounds more delicate. To overcome this limitation, FTIR is generally used as a preliminary technique. CIRAM specialists integrate it into multi-technique analytical protocols, in association with chromatography or the Raman spectroscopy, to refine the identification of organic residues.
The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a reference technique for the analysis of organic compounds in archaeologyThis technique relies on the separation of molecules present in a sample using gas chromatography (GC), followed by precise identification of the constituents by mass spectrometry (MS), based on their mass-to-charge ratio.
This method enables trace compounds to be detected and quantified, providing essential information on their chemical composition.
CIRAM's experts identify specific biomarkers, enabling them to reconstruct the nature of ancient substances such as vegetable oils, animal fats, tannins and tars. This expertise contributes to the interpretation of the cultural and economic practices of ancient societies, by revealing the uses and transformations of organic matter over time.
Mainly used for the analysis of mineral materialsdating, Raman spectrometry constitutes nevertheless a valuable complementary technique in archaeometryIts main advantage lies in its non-destructive nature, allowing samples to be studied without alteration or prior preparation.
Thanks to its excellent spatial resolution, this method makes it possible to analyze organic residues on a microscopic scale (of the order of a few microns). CIRAM researchers integrate Raman spectrometry into multimodal analysis protocols, coupling it with FTIR spectroscopy and GC-MS chromatography. This combined approach is essential for the characterization of complex substances and enables the precise identification of organic materials used by past societies.
The carpology is the study of seed and fruit remains from archaeological contexts such as containers or sediments. The analysis of these plant macro-remains provides valuable insights into the agriculture, diet, and plant resource exploitation of ancient societies. Even when carbonized, these seeds can be identified by CIRAM scientists to reconstruct past environments.
The palynology, centered on the study of pollen and spores, complements carpology and anthracology (study of charcoal) in the reconstruction of ancient landscapes and climates. The analyses carried out by CIRAM, via optical and electron microscopy, allow for the identification of pollen grains according to their morphology and structure, thus refining paleoenvironmental models and territorial occupation dynamics.
CIRAM laboratories have positioned themselves as a benchmark player in organic residue analysis applied to archaeology. By mobilizing a range of cutting-edge analytical techniques, our teams of scientists offer in-depth expertise to determine the nature of ancient substances and their role in past human practices.
Whether reconstructing diets, identifying materials of natural origin or tracing historical economic circuits, CIRAM provides tailor-made solutions for every archaeological project.
These technologies, combined with complementary analyses such as carbon dating by AMSdating, thermoluminescence dating, anthracology/xylology, scientific imaging or isotopic analysisanalysis, provide an in-depth understanding of artifacts, while guaranteeing their preservation.
Contact our teamsAn organic residue is a trace left by substances of biological origin on archaeological objects (ceramics, tools, sediments). They may be lipids, proteins, carbohydrates or specific biomarkers.
CIRAM uses several analytical methods: GC-MS chromatography, FTIR infrared spectrometry, Raman spectrometry, as well as carpological and palynological analyses.
Yes, certain substances such as oils, waxes and resins are permanently impregnated into the ceramic matrix and can be analyzed even after millennia.
Techniques such as GC-MS enable trace-level compounds to be identified with great precision, even when samples are extremely degraded.
Analysis times vary according to the complexity of the samples and the number of techniques used, but generally take a few weeks.
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