Identification of organic compounds in fictile unguentaria from two Sicilian necropolis of Greek age (5th century b.C.) by GC/MS analysis.

Abstract

A study to obtain more knowledge on funeral set in Greek age, (5th Century, b.C.) was carried out on thirteen ancient unguentaria, small vessels used as containers of balms or ointments, founded in two different Sicilian necropolis: Adranon and Hymera. Every find was subjected to three extractions by increasing polarity solvents. All crude extracts, unsaponifiables and methyl esters of saponifiable fraction were analysed by GC-MS. Analysis showed difference between two groups of finds: the unguentaria from Adranon show abundant traces of lipids used in balm making, while those from Hymera resulted empty and buried for ritual purpose. Even if in the two towns, flourished in the same period, adopted probably different funerary uses.