Chemical traces found in ancient pottery from West Africa suggest that the people who lived there had a diet rich in plants. The study, published in the journal _Nature_, analyzed pottery shards from seven archaeological sites in the region, dating from around 1,000 to 500 BC.

The researchers used a technique called gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify the chemical compounds in the pottery. They found that the pottery contained high levels of fatty acids and other compounds that are found in plants, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. This suggests that the people who made the pottery were eating a plant-based diet.

The study also found that the people who lived in the region were consuming a variety of different plant foods. This is evidenced by the fact that the pottery contained a wide range of different fatty acids and other compounds. This suggests that the people who lived in the region were not relying on a single source of food, but were instead eating a variety of different plant foods.

The study provides new insights into the diet of the people who lived in West Africa in the past. This information can help us to better understand the history and culture of the region.

Here are some additional details about the study:

* The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Bristol, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Leicester.

* The pottery shards were collected from seven archaeological sites in West Africa, located in the countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, and Ghana.

* The pottery shards were dated using radiocarbon dating.

* The researchers used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify the chemical compounds in the pottery.

* The study found that the pottery contained high levels of fatty acids and other compounds that are found in plants, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

* The study also found that the people who lived in the region were consuming a variety of different plant foods.

This study provides new insights into the diet of the people who lived in West Africa in the past. This information can help us to better understand the history and culture of the region.