NDLI: Experiments on the effects of charring on Setaria italica (foxtail millet)

Content Provider	Springer Nature Link
Author	Walsh, Rory
Copyright Year	2016
Abstract	This study aims to better understand taphonomical effects relevant to Setaria italica (foxtail millet), particularly the deformation caused by charring in fully-formed grains, and the potential preservation of underdeveloped seeds. Foxtail millet is a staple grain commonly found in Neolithic and later sites across Eurasia after initial domestication in northern China. Precise control of atmospheric conditions enabled determination of ideal parameters for charring without seed destruction. These experiments were able to produce charred seeds that strongly resemble archaeological specimens, making three key findings: (1) lateral expansion found in many ancient foxtail millet seeds indicates that charring occurred with the seeds in the husks. (2) Oxidizing conditions produced far better results in terms of seed preservation and retention of identifiable characteristics. (3) Smaller and less developed or ‘filled’ seeds survived in the same conditions as larger, plump seeds. These results allow for better interpretation of depositional context of millet seeds, and point to heat treatment during the de-husking process as a common way for seeds to enter the archaeological record.
Starting Page	447
Ending Page	453
Page Count	7
File Format	PDF
ISSN	09396314
Journal	Vegetation History and Archaeobotany
Volume Number	26
Issue Number	4
e-ISSN	16176278
Language	English
Publisher	Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Publisher Date	2016-12-09
Publisher Place	Berlin, Heidelberg
Access Restriction	One Nation One Subscription (ONOS)
Subject Keyword	Setaria italica Neolithic Agriculture Experimental archaeology Paleontology Biogeosciences Climate Change Anthropology Archaeology
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Plant Science Archeology (arts and humanities) Paleontology

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