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We will present two cases of millet consumption in a sepulchral context. The first features an elite burial in the late Urnfield cemetery of Künzing, Bavaria dating around 1000 BC. Two individuals were buried in an urn placed in the center of a large grave precinct. The intentionally smashed urn contained fragments of additional pottery vessels and one of the most unusual assemblages of metal objects in its time. Biomolecular analysis has revealed that one of the fragmented vessels in the urn grave contained traces of millet, attesting for the consumption of a millet beverage or mush. In addition, the sherds of two other vessels revealed traces of conifer (probably juniper) tar/oil, which could represent an early and rare case for the use of fragrances in a burial ceremony. The second example dates to the early Hallstatt period and is located 850 km down the Danube in Sotin in eastern Croatia. Sotin is a late Urnfield and Hallstatt cemetery with over 100 excavated graves dating to the 9th -7th centuries BC. Grave 78, excavated in 2011 and dating to the 1st half of 7th century BC, contained an urn with cremated remains. Six vessels represent the additional inventory. The urn was probably wrapped in some organic material because a fibula was placed on the shoulder. East of the urn three bowls and a kantharos were found. Biomolecular analysis revealed traces of millet inside the kantharos. Organic residue analysis was applied for the first time in the area to investigate the content of the kantharos. The result represents the first evidence of millet consumption in association with a specific vessel type, usually interpreted as a container for liquids. Near it, unburnt animal bones as the remnant of a meat offering were deposited. |
