Taphonomy and Negative Results: An Integrated Approach to Ceramic-bound Protein Residue Analysis

Despite the growing body of evidence demonstrating that proteins can survive for thousands to even millions of years in selected contexts, there are relatively few examples of the successful recovery and identification of archaeological protein residues from ceramic artifacts. Claims of positive results are sometimes contentious and frequently challenged. One source of confusion in the debate is a general lack of consideration for the taphonomic histories of ceramic-bound proteins. To gain insight into this issue, we conducted an integrated, mass-spectrometry-based study examining ceramic-bound protein that was experimentally aged over the course of 12 months. By documenting the degradation of proteins after 1, 6 and 12 months of aging, we were able to provide insight into our lack of meaningful results obtained from a selection of archaeological ceramics.