Abstract
The dentitions of 31 individuals excavated from the Bronze Age site Nui Nap, Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam were
examined for the presence of Areca catechu (betel nut) residues. The chief investigatory method involved GC/MS
analysis of a dark reddish-brown stain commonly observed on the labial aspect of the anterior teeth of individuals from
this site. The results of this work indicate that these teeth were stained by way of betel nut. Enamel surface morphology
and the distribution of staining suggests purposeful application of betel nut residues to the teeth, perhaps for aesthetic
reasons.
examined for the presence of Areca catechu (betel nut) residues. The chief investigatory method involved GC/MS
analysis of a dark reddish-brown stain commonly observed on the labial aspect of the anterior teeth of individuals from
this site. The results of this work indicate that these teeth were stained by way of betel nut. Enamel surface morphology
and the distribution of staining suggests purposeful application of betel nut residues to the teeth, perhaps for aesthetic
reasons.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 909-915 |
| Journal | Journal of Archaeological Science |
| Volume | 29 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2002 |