The final masquerade : a molecular-based approach to the identification of resinous plant exudates in Roman mortuary contexts in Britain and evaluation of their significance
This study provides chemical confirmation for the use of resinous plant exudates in mortuary contexts in Roman Britain. Analysis of amorphous masses, adhering residues and grave deposits using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry has revealed terpenoid biomarkers in sixteen inhumation and two cremation burials. The natural products characterized include European Pinaceae (conifer) resins, Pistacia spp. (mastic/terebinth) resins from the Mediterranean or the Levant and Boswellia spp. (frankincense) gum-resins from southern Arabia or eastern Africa. In addition, traces of a balsamic resin, probably Liquidambar orientalis, have been identified. A correlation between the use of these exotic exudates and interment in substantial, often multiple, containers with high-quality textiles and grave goods was observed. Theoretical consideration of this imported rite illuminates the multiplicity of roles played by resins/gum-resins in the mortuary sphere. The material properties of these highly scented substances speak to the biological reality of the decomposing body and to the socially constructed identity of the individual. On a practical level, they acted as temporary preservatives and masked the odour of decay. As
Brettell, Rhea C.
Molecular analysis ; Resinous plant exudates ; Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) ; Mortuary rites ; Body treatment ; Materiality ; Roman Britain
The final masquerade : a molecular-based approach to the identification of resinous plant exudates in Roman mortuary contexts in Britain and evaluation of their significance. This study provides chemical confirmation for the use of resinous plant exudates in mortuary contexts in Roman Britain. Analysis of amorphous masses, adhering residues and grave deposits using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry has revealed terpenoid biomarkers in sixteen inhumation and two cremation burials. The natural products characterized include European Pinaceae (conifer) resins, Pistacia spp. (mastic/terebinth) resins from the Mediterranean or the Levant and Boswellia spp. (frankincense) gum-resins from southern Arabia or eastern Africa. In addition, traces of a balsamic resin, probably Liquidambar orientalis, have been identified. A correlation between the use of these exotic exudates and interment in substantial, often multiple, containers with high-quality textiles and grave goods was observed. Theoretical consideration of this imported rite illuminates the multiplicity of roles played by resins/gum-resins in the mortuary sphere. The material properties of these highly scented substances speak to the biological reality of the decomposing body and to the socially constructed identity of the individual. On a practical level, they acted as temporary preservatives and masked the odour of decay. As
final masquerade molecular based identification plant roman mortuary_context britain evaluation significance study provide chemical confirmation use plant mortuary_context roman_britain analysis amorphous mass adhere residue grave deposit use gas_chromatography mass_spectrometry reveal sixteen inhumation cremation_burial natural product characterize include european mediterranean levant southern arabia eastern_africa addition trace resin probably identify correlation use exotic interment substantial often multiple container high_quality textile grave_good observe theoretical_consideration import rite illuminates multiplicity roles play mortuary sphere material_property highly substance speak biological reality decompose body socially_construct identity individual practical level act temporary preservative mask decay