The biomolecular characterization of a finger ring contextually dated to the emergence of the Early Neolithic from Syltholm, Denmark.

Theis Zetner Trolle Jensen,Carsten Gundelach,Meaghan Mackie,Liam Thomas Lanigan,Alberto John Taurozzi,Mikkel Sørensen,Søren Anker Sørensen,Jesper Olsen,Matthew James Collins,Hannes Schroeder

doi:10.1098/rsos.191172

Abstract

We present the analysis of an osseous finger ring from a predominantly early Neolithic context in Denmark. To characterize the artefact and identify the raw material used for its manufacture, we performed micro-computed tomography scanning, zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry (ZooMS) peptide mass fingerprinting, as well as protein sequencing by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We conclude that the ring was made from long bone or antler due to the presence of osteons (Haversian canals). Subsequent ZooMS analysis of collagen I and II indicated that it was made from Alces alces or Cervus elaphus material. We then used LC-MS/MS analysis to refine our species identification, confirming that the ring was made from Cervus elaphus, and to examine the rest of the proteome. This study demonstrates the potential of ancient proteomics for species identification of prehistoric artefacts made from osseous material.

Highlights

Several excavations at Syltholm near Rødbyhavn on the island of Lolland, Denmark, have revealed an exceptionally well-preserved archaeological assemblage belonging to the Ertebølle and Early Funnel Beaker periods [1]
The ring itself was found close to a broken wooden spear made of ash (X4955, table 1), which yielded a date of 5983–5750 cal BP, and while we were unable to obtain a direct date for the ring itself, we propose that these two contextually associated artefacts are coeval
The harpoon was excluded from the model due a low statistical agreement in the Bayesian model [17]. The reason for this is unknown as all collagen quality parameters are within expected ranges; it is possible that the harpoon was redeposited

Summary

Introduction

Several excavations at Syltholm near Rødbyhavn on the island of Lolland, Denmark, have revealed an exceptionally well-preserved archaeological assemblage belonging to the Ertebølle (ca 7350–5950 cal BP) and Early Funnel Beaker periods (ca 5950–4750 cal BP) [1]. The assemblage contains numerous artefacts made from organic material, such as wood, bone and antler, as well as several exotic objects, including a T-shaped antler axe [2], a Danubian shaft-hole axe made of amphibolite as well as pieces of Arkadenrand-type ceramics. These finds suggest connections with Neolithic societies of northern Germany and central Europe. X2784) is broken, but is otherwise perfectly preserved and displays excellent handicraft, design and finish (figure 1d) It measures 2.4 cm in diameter, large enough to suggest that it might have been worn by an adult male. The ring itself was found close to a broken wooden spear made of ash (X4955, table 1), which yielded a date of 5983–5750 cal BP, and while we were unable to obtain a direct date for the ring itself (due to sampling limitations), we propose that these two contextually associated artefacts are coeval

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion