What is this strange sealant inside my trunk?

[carpundit]

I changed a headlight bulb today, and noticed for the first time this tan, dried gunky stuff spread around the inside metalwork in the nose of my car. Anyone know what it is or why it's there? Looks like some kind of sealant:

It's a '99 C2 Cab in arctic silver.

(Cross-posted from Rennlist; sorry, but looking for eyeballs.)

Edited December 31, 2006 by Loren
made images show

[Loren]

That is likely what it is. Most cars I've seen have this - so it is "factory normal".

[carpundit]

That is likely what it is. Most cars I've seen have this - so it is "factory normal".

Thanks, Loren. And thanks for putting the photos in the post itself; that was a big help, and very thoughtful.

Others have reported seeing it before, and someone posted a similar photo at Rennlist. I am comfortable that it was not used for accident repair. It must be to keep out noise or -yikes- water.

CP