Studies in organic archaeometry VI - Fat analysis sheds light on everyday life in prehistoric Anatolia: traces of lipids identified in chalcolithic potsherds excavated near Bogazkale, Central Turkey

Ca 7500 years old potsherds stemming from a special type of jar were excavated in Central Anatolia. Upon chemical analysis traces of still remaining lipids were found: some fatty acids were identified, permitting the interpretation that the ancient content was a fat of animal origin, which can be considered as milk from ruminants or a dairy produce thereof. This result supports the archaeological hypothesis that such jars were used for the production of dairy produces, thus also giving some indication of the economic basis of chalcolithic life in this area.