I am about to initiate research to write a paper on the earliest use and storage of animal and bird fats.

Currently I envision one section on prehistoric times, and then recurring again in the Late Bronze-Iron Ages. 

Texts from different ancient cultures; 

evidence of the various processes and required utensils for rendering and storing fat; 

and detailing what the potentional uses were, 

are all issues I ask your help in. 

There is medicinal use, working with tools, shield protection, as David laments for Saul and Jonathan; foodstuffs. 

Ancient ink, such as in the Qeiyafa ostracon, contained charcoal and animal fat. What else?

In terms of food- why would I use these fats? How long would they last? Are there animals that are preferred? 

For example, in some parts of Europe in recent centuries, goose fat was the favorite. 

And anyone in the Lower East Side of New York knew the words "chicken schmaltz." 

I woudl appreciate your references to writings and lines of investigation.   

Yours

Barnea Levi Selavan

MA Program  

Tel Aviv University