Multiple burial tombs belonging to the Corded Ware Culture , discovered in Oechlitz, Saxony-Anhalt. The corded ware decorated vessel contained milk, while the small pot revealed traces of ruminant-derived fats. Credit: State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt
The study analyzed fat residues trapped in a set of 124 pottery vessels of different shapes and sizes, with samples originating from graves and settlements, and conserved in the State Museum of Prehistory in Halle. The analyses allowed researchers to distinguish residual fats derived from milk, ruminant, and non-ruminant animals, as well as of marine or plant origin. The samples analyzed in this study make up the biggest archaeological data series for Germany so far.
Tomb of an adult male from the Corded Ware Culture . The large decorated amphorae forming part of the grave goods usually contained pig-derived fats. Credit: State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt