Advancing archaeological sedimentary lipid biomarker analysis: A review of recent developments and methodological guidelines

Abstract

This review targets archaeological scientists and geoarchaeologists, examining the current state of lipid biomarker analysis in archaeological sediments—a growing field. Lipid compounds and their stable isotope ratios serve as valuable proxies for reconstructing past climates, vegetation, freshwater availability, human-environment interactions, diet, technology, and subsistence practices. The paper reviews experimental, archaeological, and ethnoarchaeological studies that apply lipid biomarkers to archaeological sedimentary deposits, contributing to paleoenvironmental research and insights into past human behavior. Key topics include fecal biomarkers, revealing diet and subsistence, and pyrogenic biomarkers, shedding light on fire technology and cooking traditions. Methodological guidelines are provided, covering sample collection, lipid extraction, pretreatment, and compound detection. Challenges include standardizing protocols, integrating new biomarkers, microcontextual approaches, and adopting advanced analytical techniques. Advancing lipid biomarker analysis promises to enhance interdisciplinary research and deepen our understanding of archaeological contexts and human-environment dynamics.