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'Palaeoshellomics' reveals the use of freshwater mother-of-pearl in prehistory
Sakalauskaite, J. Andersen, S.H. Biagi, P. Borrello, M.A. Cocquerez, T. Colonese, A.C. Bello, F.D. Girod, A. Heumuller, M. Koon, Hannah E.C.
Sakalauskaite, J.
Andersen, S.H.
Biagi, P.
Borrello, M.A.
Cocquerez, T.
Colonese, A.C.
Bello, F.D.
Girod, A.
Heumuller, M.
Koon, Hannah E.C.
Publication Date
2019-05
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© 2019, Sakalauskaite et al.
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openAccess
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2019-04-20
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Abstract
The extensive use of mollusc shell as a versatile raw material is testament to its
importance in prehistoric times. The consistent choice of certain species for different purposes,
including the making of ornaments, is a direct representation of how humans viewed and exploited
their environment. The necessary taxonomic information, however, is often impossible to obtain
from objects that are small, heavily worked or degraded. Here we propose a novel biogeochemical
approach to track the biological origin of prehistoric mollusc shell. We conducted an in-depth study
of archaeological ornaments using microstructural, geochemical and biomolecular analyses,
including ‘palaeoshellomics’, the first application of palaeoproteomics to mollusc shells (and indeed
to any invertebrate calcified tissue). We reveal the consistent use of locally-sourced freshwater
mother-of-pearl for the standardized manufacture of ‘double-buttons’. This craft is found
throughout Europe between 4200–3800 BCE, highlighting the ornament-makers’ profound
knowledge of the biogeosphere and the existence of cross-cultural traditions.
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Published version
Citation
Sakalauskaite J, Andersen SH, Biagi P et al (2019) 'Palaeoshellomics' reveals the use of freshwater mother-of-pearl in prehistory. eLife. 8: e45644.
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