Chinese researchers analyzed mineralized remains of ancient fabrics found on three metal artifacts in Xinjiang. Research methods determined that traces of both silk and hemp fabric were preserved on these finds.
In one case, the dyes used could be identified: red dye obtained from madder root and yellow dye made from Japanese soapberry. These results are presented in a preprint on SSRN.org.
The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, located in northwest China, is an object of close attention for archaeologists. This region has historically served as a zone of intersection for various cultures, facilitated by the Silk Road. Furthermore, the dry and hot climate here contributes to exceptionally good preservation of organic materials on ancient monuments.
The Tarim Basin is known for finds of mummified bodies. Another important area is the Turpan Depression, one of the deepest basins in the world. The Yanghai necropolis, located about 43 kilometers from the city of Turpan, is situated there. From this site, the oldest horse saddles, ancient leather balls, and the earliest Eurasian leather armor have been discovered in recent years.
Zhen Hailin (Hailing Zheng) from the National Museum of Silk in China and his colleagues from China shared the results of studying finds from another Turpan Depression site—the Yemushi necropolis. Archaeologists discovered three metal artifacts there: two iron belt buckles and a copper eye ornament. These items date from the period between the 3rd century BCE and the 5th century CE.
To determine the composition of the fabrics, scientists applied a number of complex methods, including scanning electron microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. Microscopy showed the presence of fibers similar to silk, and two types of fibers were found on one buckle, although their exact origin could not be determined by the method.
Subsequently, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the presence of fibroins—proteins characteristic of silkworm cocoons (Bombyx mori)—was confirmed on one of the buckles, confirming the use of silk in at least one instance. This biomarker was absent on the other two items, which could indicate poor preservation or a plant origin for the fibers.
Infrared spectroscopy allowed the identification that the silk fibers on one buckle were adjacent to fibers derived from common hemp (Cannabis sativa). Similar spectra were obtained for fabric remnants where the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay did not detect specific silk proteins, making the hypothesis of hemp composition likely in those cases.
Chemists used high-performance gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify dyes on the silk of one buckle. The presence of alizarin—a natural red plant dye obtained from madder root (Rubia tinctorum)—was established. In another sample from the same buckle, rutin and isorhamnetin rutinoside were identified, which are markers for the use of yellow dye from Japanese soapberry buds (Styphnolobium japonicum).
Overall, ancient and medieval burials in Xinjiang have preserved not only clothing but also food remains. In the Astana necropolis, Chinese scientists discovered the oldest known sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) dating back to the 7th–9th centuries CE.
British and Swiss researchers analyzed protein fragments preserved in ancient Chinese bronze vessels. During this analysis, biomarkers characteristic of ginger and mold were identified in one of the artifacts. These findings suggest that an alcoholic beverage was stored in the vessel, which was made approximately three thousand years ago.
The production of alcoholic beverages began in deep antiquity. Archaeological data indicates that representatives of the Natufian archaeological culture in the Middle East during the Epipaleolithic era were already capable of brewing beer. This is evidenced by finds from the Israeli cave of Raqefet, where remains of grains processed about 13,7–11,7 thousand years ago were discovered. However, such drinks likely gained widespread popularity among farmers during the Neolithic period.
The earliest signs of alcohol production in modern China date back to the early Neolithic. It was recently established that prehistoric inhabitants in the Yangtze River basin produced rice beer about ten thousand years ago. The first evidence of alcohol preparation is presented by remains of fermented plants, which are identified using microscopy, as well as specific biomarkers determined by chemical methods.
As part of a new project, scientists from the UK and Switzerland, led by Luciana da Costa Carvalho of Oxford University, focused on finds from a later period than the Neolithic. They studied eight ancient Chinese bronze vessels, which were possibly used for ritual purposes. These artifacts are housed in the Rietberg Museum in Zurich and were obtained through antique dealers rather than archaeologists, making their exact provenance uncertain. Nevertheless, based on the characteristics of the items, scientists determined that they belong to the Shang Dynasty (approximately 1500–1046 BCE) and the early Zhou Dynasty (approximately 1046–978 BCE).
The goal of the study was to determine the presence of specific biomarkers in the vessels, despite layers of internal corrosion, as these items had not undergone restoration or conservation after entering the museum, according to specialists. Oxford University specialists found probable remnants of an alcoholic beverage in one of the vessels. These remnants included proteins from the mold Monascus purpureus and medicinal ginger (Zingiber officinale), as well as traces characteristic of bird egg, although there is a possibility that the latter resulted from subsequent contamination.
Previously, ancient evidence of the use of ginger and molds was only found through microscopic analysis of plant remains in ceramics, as well as in ancient written sources where ginger is mentioned as an ingredient for drinks. Based on this, researchers concluded that the vessel type 'hu' from the late Shang Dynasty most likely contained an alcoholic beverage, probably intended for ritual ceremonies.
Periodically, even liquid alcohol residues are preserved in ancient vessels. For example, recently, unfiltered wheat beer was discovered in the tomb of a Chinese military official who lived more than two thousand years ago.
It is also worth noting the study of remains from a rare Iron Age collective burial found in Latvia. In 1990, archaeologists discovered six skeletons, estimated to be from the late 8th to early 10th century AD. Genetic analysis showed that the individuals were of local origin, including kinship ties. It was established that three individuals had perimortem injuries on their bones, including a severed cervical vertebra, indicating decapitation. One of the researchers' hypotheses links this burial to Viking raids, as reported in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.
