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Chewing tar in the early Holocene: an archaeological and ethnographic evaluation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

E. M. Aveling  and
C. Heron
E. M. Aveling
Affiliation:
Department of Archaeological Sciences, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford BD7 1DP, England
C. Heron
Affiliation:
Department of Archaeological Sciences, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford BD7 1DP, England
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Abstract

In an editorial in 1897, the British Medical Journal (ii: 1112) reported on increase in the ‘disgusting habit’of chewing gum, prepared from rubber or plant resin flavoured with aniseed or peppermint. However, the use of masticants is a much more widespread and long-term behaviour with possible health implications for humans. Here, samples of Mesolithic date from Scandinavia are identified and discussed.

Keywords

tarbirch barkprehistoryEuropechemical analysis
Type
Notes
Information
Antiquity , Volume 73 , Issue 281 , September 1999 , pp. 579 - 584
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd. 1999

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