Chemical analysis of organic residues from selected ceramic vessels from a Lusatian culture burial ground

Studies in the field of funeral archaeology ofer an insight into ancient beliefs and rites, including research conducted on items placed in graves alongside the deceased. The most extensive group of relics obtained from burial grounds during the course of archaeological research is pottery. Interdisciplinary analysis, including chemical studies using gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry, yield information on the limited residues preserved in the walls of the vessels. The aim of this article is to present the results obtained from selected types of residues, i.e. fatty acids, in order to check whether the vessels were actually used as researchers have indicated. Vessels potentially used for collecting and carrying water were submitted for laboratory tests, but the conducted research indicated some possible other uses. Their role could have changed during funeral rites. Everyday objects found in graves, which undoubtedly include the dippers in question, constitute a new and important factor while interpreting the phenomenon and concept of burial oferings. The most interesting fact is that the discovered vessels were found to contain residues of fatty acids of animal origin. This undoubtedly indicates that they played a practical role, and were not especially made for funeral rites. Moreover, taking into account the importance and gravitas of funeral rites, we assume that each of the items placed in the grave was intended to have speciic, well-deined functions. Therefore, previous practical signiicance transformed into a sacred role during a funeral ritual. This opens up new research and interpretative options, which may spur the development of considerations on the use of vessels in funeral rites.