(Photo: Wikimedia Commons/JMiall)
Two ancient cauldrons used to collect blood during the Bronze Age were recently discovered, suggesting that bronze's preservative properties had been known nearly 3,000 years ago.
Bronze Age Cauldron For Blood Collection
In a new study, researchers stumbled upon two cauldrons by coincidence. It is practically hard to discover the existence of a burial mound in the Mongolian steppe unless it is present beside an archeological site. In this instance, while constructing a fence for a horse corral, two herders in the region of Khovsgol, by chance, came onto the location.
During their excavation, they unearthed additional relics besides the cauldrons, which they subsequently donated to the Mongolian Academy of Sciences so that scholars could examine and analyze them. Biomolecular archaeologist Shevan Wilkin of the University of Basel in Switzerland and associates thoroughly analyzed the two cauldrons. After estimating their ages using radiocarbon dating, they removed samples from the inside of both to do a protein analysis.
They believed this would provide insight into the nutrition of those who had previously utilized the cauldrons. Scientists have found similar cauldrons that were formerly used to boil meat. Wilkin and her associates discovered something slightly different, though.
According to the proteomic study, blood proteins and a glycoprotein expressed in the liver were found. The proteins were then identified as coming from ruminants, which include goats and Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia).
However, that was not the sole discovery made by the researchers. The source of the secondary proteins in the cauldron was identified as wild yak milk.
The fact that blood and milk were utilized at all revealed a lot about the lifestyle of the Mongolian Bronze Age people, even though researchers were still determining their exact purposes.
Based on the study, the two specific cauldrons from northern Mongolia were probably utilized as a significant component of food production, gathering the blood of ruminant animals during slaughter. The researchers noted that this procedure would date back at least 2,700 years if the blood were drawn as suggested to produce sausages.
According to Wilkin, the analysis highlights the exceptional preservation qualities of bronze materials, which act as stewards for preserving proteins and other organic molecules for future generations. These discoveries shed light on the various culinary techniques employed by ancient societies and offer insight into the nutritional habits and gastronomic customs of Bronze Age nomads.
Bronze is the Best Material For Cooking
Bronze utensils are regarded as the best metals for cooking. They preserve roughly 97% of the food's nutritional content. Numerous medical researchers and specialists have recognized this, and they have started extolling its benefits.
Bronze, also known as kansa, is composed of 78% copper and 22% tin. When combined, they may be heated to 700 degrees Celsius to create pure bronze. Indian homes have used Kansa kitchenware, such as thalis, bowls, glasses, and other items, for generations. According to legend, hardly a single house in the country existed in the past without Kansa Kitchenware.
Unfortunately, as the decades passed, the ancient metal known as kansa lost its luster and gradually disappeared from most Indian homes. Fortunately, new medical research has started to emphasize its importance and praise its therapeutic and health benefits, which they claim can help treat or cure a wide range of illnesses. Ayurveda says that Kansa calms Pitta and Vata, which are associated with dry skin, a tense temperament, and irritability. Furthermore, it aids in the improvement of skin and vision conditions, as well as the decrease in obesity.
RELATE ARTICLE: 3,700-Year-Old Well-Preserved Brain, Skin From Bronze Age Individuals Found During Excavation in Turkey
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