Churns and Churning as a Solution for Preserving Excess Milk Yields and Surplus as Dairy Products: A Case Study from the Late Chalcolithic of the Southern Levant

Abstract

The first clear evidence of advanced dairy production in the Southern Levant emerges during the Late Chalcolithic period. This shift is marked by the widespread discovery of clay churns across diverse geographic regions, alongside herd management practices and organic residue analyses that point to a dairy-oriented economy. A comprehensive study of Late Chalcolithic churns suggests that, alongside increased reliance on herds for milk production, churning became significant. We argue that this technological innovation arose from the need to process larger quantities of milk for growing Late Chalcolithic communities. Transforming milk into dairy products like butter, yogurt, and cheese extended its shelf life, providing a stable protein source during seasons of scarcity. As a result, these products became central components of the daily Late Chalcolithic diet. Furthermore, these long-lasting dairy goods likely became valuable assets for trade and exchange, allowing communities to gain economic wealth and ultimately reshaping the socioeconomic landscape of the Southern Levant.