Birch pitch had all kinds of uses in prehistory. It was used as an adhesive for hafting stone tools, for coating surfaces, as sealant and caulking agent, and for repairing ceramic vessels. It has also been suggested that birch pitch may have been chewed for medical purposes, as it has been shown that some of its main components (i.e. betulin and lupeol) have antimicrobial and chemotherapeutic properties. This is also supported by ethnographic evidence, which indicates that birch pitch was valued for its healing properties among several traditional cultures. However, more direct evidence is still missing. We will use ancient metagenomics, shotgun proteomics, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses to investigate the potential uses of birch pitch in prehistory and to identify specific compounds and additives (e.g. beeswax, honey, charcoal or medicinal herbs) that might shed light on its alleged medicinal properties and uses. In doing so, the proposed research will provide unique insights into the knowledge production, healing practices, and complex technological choices of prehistoric communities.