Beyond the surface: Untangling molecular complexity in organic residue analysis of coated archaeological ceramics

Mixed molecular and isotopic signals are readily encountered in organic residue analysis (ORA) of archaeological ceramics, which can impact our ability to identify the contents/use of the vessel. One reason for these mixed signals that is rarely considered, is the mixture of organic products used to coat vessels and the organic products that were later contained in the ceramic vessel. Here, we apply a multi-faceted ORA approach to experimental cooking vessels that were coated with a range of organic products during post-firing treatment and then used to cook a variety of organic contents. Our results show that the visibility of the coating agent or cooking commodity varies depending on the type of extraction or analytical method applied. We show that it is important to use a combination of extraction methods (acidified methanol and solvent extraction) and that both molecular and isotopic data must be considered. For the first time, we have also shown that thermal transformation markers ..., , # Beyond the surface: Untangling molecular complexity in organic residue analysis of coated archaeological ceramics

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.51c59zwmc](10.5061/dryad.51c59zwmc)

## Description of the data and file structure

This data set is comprised of data files produced by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) of lipids extracted using acid extraction method and solvent extraction methods as described in Supplementary Information S2 of the journal article. 

These data are linked to the published journal where methods of extraction, the context of pottery and the interpretation of data are fully described. 

Each file corresponds to the sample name as recorded in S3 data and the extraction method used (Acid extraction- AE or Solvent extraction- TLE) and contains a usable mzML. file. which can be opened and converted as necessary in open MS software. 

To note, the result of the paper are formed from a multifaceted analysis. These TIC's are raw TICs to give examples of the...,