Integrating Lipid and Starch Grain Analyses From Pottery Vessels to Explore Prehistoric Foodways in Northern Gujarat, India

This study attempts a holistic approach to past foodways in prehistoric northern Gujarat, India, by considering evidence of food production, distribution, preparation and consumption. We present here the results pilot residue study, integrating lipid starch grain analyses, conducted on 28 ceramic vessels from three Chalcolithic/Harappan settlements (c. 3300–2000 cal. BC) which are discussed light previous plant animal acquisition strategies this region. aim explore how inhabitants Gujarat transformed ingredients into meals, focusing different foodstuffs were processed. When assessed their own, compound-specific isotopic data suggest that fats primarily processed vessels, specifically non-ruminant fats. However, analysis favors detection fat-rich products is often unable disentangle signatures resulting mixing products. The incorporation analyses provides for processing range plants such as cereals, pulses underground storage organs. Together, provide perspective way forward overcoming preservational interpretational limitations.