A Multi-Analytical Approach for the Characterization of Archaeological Plant-Based Fibers and Residues: The Case of Oluz Höyük (North–Central Anatolia)

Abstract

This study presents a multi-analytical approach for the characterization of plant-based archaeological remains, including bast fibers and seed coats, recovered from hearth soils, ash deposits, and ceramic contexts at Oluz Höyük (north–central Anatolia). The proposed protocol integrates stereomicroscopy, SEM-BSE imaging, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and TG/DTG analysis to assess the preservation state, microstructural features, and compositional properties of lignocellulosic materials in archaeological environments. Microstructural observations revealed striations, lumen channels, and fiber bundles consistent with plant-derived lignocellulosic bast-like fibers. Although some morphological characteristics are comparable to those reported for cultivated fiber plants such as hemp and flax, the applied analytical methods do not permit definitive species-level identification. SEM-BSE imaging further identifies well-preserved seed coats with diagnostic surface ornamentation. FTIR spectra exhibit characteristic bands associated with cellulose and lignin, confirming the presence of lignocellulosic tissues. TG/DTG analysis of associated ceramic residues indicates firing temperatures in the range of ~690–720 °C and highlights compositional variability related to raw material selection and depositional conditions. The results demonstrate the applicability of the proposed multi-analytical framework for the characterization and assessment of plant-derived archaeological materials while highlighting the limitations of species-level identification based solely on morphological, spectroscopic, and thermal analyses. This approach provides a reproducible methodology for investigating organic remains in complex archaeological matrices and contributes to the broader understanding of ancient material technologies.