The biomolecular characterization of a finger ring contextually dated to the emergence of the Early Neolithic from Syltholm, Denmark

• Published in: Royal Society Open Science
• Main Authors: Trolle Jensen, Theis Zetner, Mackie, Meaghan, Taurozzi, Alberto John, Lanigan, Liam Thomas, Gundelach, Carsten, Olsen, Jesper, Sørensen, Søren Anker, Collins, Matthew James, Sørensen, Mikkel, Schroeder, Hannes
• Other Authors: H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, Villum Fonden, Danmarks Grundforskningsfond, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, Novo Nordisk
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: The Royal Society 2020
• Subjects: Alces alces
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.191172; https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rsos.191172; https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full-xml/10.1098/rsos.191172

We present the analysis of an osseous finger ring from a predominantly early Neolithic context in Denmark. To characterize the artefact and identify the raw material used for its manufacture, we performed micro-computed tomography scanning, zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry (ZooMS) peptide mass fingerprinting, as well as protein sequencing by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We conclude that the ring was made from long bone or antler due to the presence of osteons (Haversian canals). Subsequent ZooMS analysis of collagen I and II indicated that it was made from Alces alces or Cervus elaphus material. We then used LC-MS/MS analysis to refine our species identification, confirming that the ring was made from Cervus elaphus , and to examine the rest of the proteome. This study demonstrates the potential of ancient proteomics for species identification of prehistoric artefacts made from osseous material.