Scholars have been studying absorbed residues for many years looking for evidence of ancient foodrelated cultural practices (Barnard and Eerkens 2007;Evershed et al. 1990;Evershed et al. 1992). This is ABSTRACT Absorbed residue studies have been used in subsistence research for decades. Only more recently have the chemical methods employed been used to explore the consumption of ritual concoctions such as those including cacao, yaupon holly, and alcohol. In this article we use mass spectrometry to identify Datura residues in prehistoric contexts from western Mexico and the American Southeast. Datura is a genus of flowering plants that contain hallucinogenic alkaloids. Their use in both regions is known historically and still continues today. This study sampled 55 pottery vessels and 18 shell vessels using both a traditional burr method and a water-based sonicator sampling method. Datura residues were found in 13 pottery vessels and 14 shell vessels using both sampling approaches. These results demonstrate that it is possible to identify Datura residue in pottery and shell vessels and that the use of Datura extends back into prehistory in both regions. The form and decoration of pottery vessels with Datura residues show correlations with specific motifs and themes. Historically, shell vessels were used in the Southeast for the consumption of another ritual beverage, called the Black Drink. The presence of Datura shows that those vessels were used for other kinds of beverages as well.Los estudios de residuos absorbidos han sido utilizado en la investigación de la subsistencia durante décadas. Sólo más recientemente se han utilizado los métodos químicos empleados en estos estudios para explorar el consumo de brebajes rituales tales como los que incluyen cacao, acebo de Yaupon, y alcohol. En este trabajo se utiliza la espectrometría de masas para identificar los residuos de Datura en contextos prehistóricos del oeste de México y el sureste de Estados Unidos. Datura es un género de plantas florecientes que contiene alcaloides alucinógenos. Su uso en ambas regiones es documentado históricamente y continúa en el presente. Para este estudio se analizaron muestras de 55 vasijas de cerámica y 18 vasijas de concha utilizando tanto el método tradicional de rebaba como el método de muestreo en baño de sonicación con agua. Residuos de Datura fueron encontrados en 13 vasijas de cerámica y 14 vasijas de concha utilizando los dos sistemas de muestreo. Estos resultados demuestran que es posible identificar los residuos de Datura en vasijas de cerámica y concha y que el uso de Datura se remonta a la prehistoria en ambas regiones. La forma y decoración de las vasijas de cerámica con restos de Datura muestran correlaciones con motivos y temas específicos. Históricamente, se utilizaron vasijas de concha en el Sureste para el consumo de otra bebida ritual, llamada la Bebida Negra. La presencia de Datura muestra que las vasijas se utilizaron también para otras bebidas. especially the case in the archaeological search for evidence of sub...
Computed tomography allows cross-sectional imaging of anthropological as well as clinical subjects. Recently, technical innovations have made three-dimensional reconstruction of these images feasible. We performed two-dimensional and three-dimensional computed tomography of a Late Period Egyptian mummy to reexamine findings seen on previous radiographic studies and to evaluate the usefulness of these techniques in paleopathology. Two-dimensional images provided excellent anatomic detail. There was graphic depiction of the mummification process that corroborated information previously obtained from Egyptological studies. Three-dimensional reconstruction provided images of facial features as if the mummy had been unwrapped. Three-dimensional computed tomography is a useful method of nondestructively evaluating paleopathological remains, and it may yield information not obtainable by any other means.
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