Native or not? Isotope analysis of a female skeleton on the 9th century A.D. from Elsau, Canton Zurich, Switzerland

At Elsau near Winterthur (CH), a 9th century AD grave with a female skeleton was found in 2003. This grave was reopened one to six years after burial. After manipulating the partially decayed skeleton, the grave was filled with a layer of rocks and a claw of a sea eagle as well as the paw of a fox was placed on top. At least from this time onwards, the grave was situated in the annex of a church. Because of this special burial site for the 42 year old woman, who suffered from different severe illnesses, it is thought that she belonged to the upper class. The postmortal changes at the grave are exceptional and even after thorough research, no equivalent burial procedures are known from this area. To investigate the possibility if the woman migrated to the region of Elsau, the oxygen and strontium isotope composition of several teeth and one long bone of her skeleton was analysed. The results indicate a certain but restricted mobility within the northern Alpine foreland and as a result changes of the isotope composition of the food and drinking water during her childhood. Immigration from regions in which similar burial customs to those used for the woman persisted into the 9th century AD can be largely excluded based on the isotope composition of her skeletal remains. The mobility in the pre-Alpine region supports the interpretation that the woman belonged to the upper class, whose properties where widely distributed.     

Trans‐Atlantic slavery: Isotopic evidence for forced migration to Barbados

The question of the ultimate origin of African slaves is one of the most perplexing in the history of trans‐Atlantic slavery. Here we present the results of a small, preliminary isotopic study that was conducted in order to determine the geographical origin of 25 enslaved Africans who were buried at the Newton plantation, Barbados, sometime between the late 17th and early 19th century. In order to gain a more nuanced understanding of the slaves' origin, we used a combination of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and strontium isotope analyses. Carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios were determined in bone and dentinal collagen; oxygen and strontium isotopes were measured in tooth enamel. Results suggest that the majority of individuals were born on the island, if not the estate itself. Seven individuals, however, yielded enamel oxygen and strontium ratios that are inconsistent with a Barbadian origin, which strongly suggests that we are dealing with first‐generation captives who were brought to the island with the slave trade. This idea is also supported by the fact that their carbon and nitrogen stable isotope values differ markedly between their teeth and bones. These intra‐skeletal shifts reflect major dietary changes that probably coincided with their enslavement and forced migration to Barbados. While it is impossible to determine their exact origins, the results clearly demonstrate that the slaves did not all grow up in the same part of Africa. Instead, the data seem to suggest that they originated from at least three different areas, possibly including the Gold Coast and the Senegambia. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Cremated human and animal remains of the Roman period--microscopic method of analysis (Sepkovcica, Croatia)

Human and animal cremated osteological remains from twelve graves of Roman Period from archaeological site Sepkovcica near Velika Gorica (Turopolje region, NW Croatia) were analysed. Beside the content of urns and grave pits, fillings of grave vessels like bowls, pots and amphoras from twentytwo grave samples were included in this study. The preservation of osteological and dental remains of human and animal origin was very poor, majority of fragments hardly reach lengths of 10 mm. Weight of each specimen barely exceeds 100 g per person. Apart from traditional macroscopic methods of analysing cremated remains, microscopic method for determination of age at death was also tested. Fragments of femoral bone diaphysis of eighteen persons whose remains had been found on the site were analysed. Person's age at death was presented in the range of five or ten years, and the long bone fragments of a child (infants) were detected. Taxonomic position for each analysed specimen was determined by microscopic analysis of animal cremated bones. Analysis results confirm validity of microscopic method in determination of age at death for human remains and taxonomic qualification of cremated animal remains from archaeological sites.     

Non‐traditional isotope perspectives in vertebrate palaeobiology

The recent development of multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS) notably in the disciplines of earth sciences, now allows the precise measurement of isotope ratios, even at low concentration. Non‐traditional isotope systems, such as alkaline earth (Ca, Mg) and transition (Cu, Fe, Zn) metals are now being measured in a variety of biological tissues, including bone and teeth. Although our understanding of the environmental and biological mechanisms behind the fractionation of such elements is still in its infancy, some of these isotopes are suspected to fractionate along the food chain, as has been reported in the literature for calcium, magnesium and zinc. Other geochemical methods, such as concentration analyses, permit a prior assessment of diagenesis in the fossils and such an approach indicates that in some circumstances, not only enamel but also dentine or bone can preserve its original biogenic composition. The aims here are to: review the current knowledge surrounding these various isotopic tools; address their potential preservation in biological apatite; and provide the palaeobiologist with a guide to the different toolkits available, including a discussion of their potential applications in vertebrate palaeobiology with a case study involving two mammal assemblages from the Pleistocene of Europe.     

Social structures and social relations--an archaeological and anthropological examination of three early Medieval separate burial sites in Bavaria

As part of an interdisciplinary cooperation, three early medieval separated burial sites from central Bavaria were subjected to archaeological and anthropological examinations. Separated burial sites are probably an expression of social stratification. This paper focuses on two characteristic aspects of these separated burial sites: (1) structure of the site, and (2) biological manifestation of a social upper class. The separated burial grounds Etting/Sandfeld (31 individuals), Grossmehring (44 individuals) and Kelheim (43 individuals), all located in southern Bavaria, were analyzed. Sex and age at death of all individuals were determined, and dietary behaviour was reconstructed by means of carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in bone collagen. Local conditions such as climate, soil conditions or the intensity of agriculture can provoke significant variations in plant delta15N-values, which could lead to a shift of the baseline values of the corresponding trophic web. To facilitate the comparison of isotopic data from different sites, delta15N values of cattle bones were taken as a reference for the human data (presuming the diet to consumer chain). The results of dietary reconstruction indicate that the populations enjoyed very good living conditions with a primarily animal protein-based diet. Furthermore, the isotope analysis revealed more detailed indications for certain individuals regarding their social status. Some individuals can even be appointed as possible chiefs of the population, since anthropological and archaeological interpretations were in total agreement: It was possible to identify persons of a higher social status based on the structure of the burial site, grave goods and the isotopic analysis.     

The petrous bone--a new sampling site for identifying early dietary patterns in stable isotopic studies

Intraskeletal variation in the composition of carbon (delta(13)C) and nitrogen (delta(15)N) stable isotopes measured in collagen is tested from various human bones and dentine. Samples were taken from the femur, rib, and petrous part of the temporal bone from well-preserved skeletons of both adults (n = 34) and subadults (n = 24). Additional samples of dentine from the root of 1st molars were taken from 16 individuals. The skeletal material is from a medieval cemetery (AD 1200-1573) in Holbaek, Denmark. Our results indicate that the petrous bone has an isotopic signal that differs significantly from that of femur and rib within the single skeleton (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively), with only minor variation seen between femur and rib. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the petrous bone and the 1st molar. The intraskeletal variation may reflect differences in turnover rate among skeletal elements. The inner periosteal layer of the petrous bone is formed in uterus and does not undergo any further remodelling after the age of 2 years, whereas the rib and femur have a continuous turnover rate of approximately 5 and 10-20 years, respectively. From the results of this study it is believed the petrous bone may be a new useful bone element and a supplement or a proxy for teeth in the analysis of early dietary patterns as it may reflect diet in fetal stages and early years of life.     

Evaluation of lead concentrations in 18th-century Omaha Indian skeletons using ICP-MS.

The analysis of skeletal remains of Omaha Indians buried between AD 1780 and 1820 indicated that lead was incorporated in cortical bone. The diagenetic or biogenetic origin of the lead was evaluated by examination of lead isotope ratios of the bones and artifacts, and comparison of lead concentrations in burial soils with those of the bones. The isotopic values of the lead artifacts demonstrate that the lead was mined in the Missouri region. Although the isotope ratios in the bones are not identical with that from the lead artifacts, there is a strong relationship between them. This finding indicates that the lead in the bone was at least partly derived from the artifacts. Because lead artifacts rarely accompanied the burials but lead was ubiquitous in the bones, we suggest a biogenetic origin for the lead. There is also the possibility that some of the lead may have been derived from pigments applied to the corpse during mortuary ritual.     

青海喇家遗址人类遗骸的锶同位素比值分析

喇家遗址位于青海省民和县,主体为齐家文化的遗存,距今大约3900~4300年。喇家遗址古代人类迁移活动的研究,对于探索黄河上游古代文明,推动该地区齐家文化研究,有着积极的学术意义。本文首先采用电感耦合等离子体质谱技术对喇家遗址出土的22个个体的44份牙釉质和骨骼样品进行了元素分析,根据检测结果排除了受到污染的2份骨骼样品。其次,通过热电离质谱分析方法对喇家遗址出土22个个体的42份牙釉质和骨骼样品及8个猪牙釉质样品的锶同位素比值进行了测定。检测数据表明,猪牙釉质的锶同位素比值的标准偏差远小于其他动物,可以推断猪由当地饲养的可能性是最大的,因此其牙釉质锶同位素比值可以代表当地的锶同位素水平。经过计算得到8个猪牙釉质的锶同位素比值的平均值为0.710930,将该平均值加或减2倍标准偏差可以得到喇家遗址当地的锶同位素比值范围在0.711058~0.710802之间。以此为前提可以推测,本次检测的22个个体中,有17个个体牙釉质的锶同位素比值在遗址当地的锶同位素比值范围内,可能为本地出生。还有2个个体牙釉质在当地的锶同位素比值范围上下限附近,姑且存疑;仅有3个个体牙釉质的锶同位素比值在遗址当地的锶同位素比值范围以外,表明这些个体可能在其他地区出生,去世后埋葬在遗址中。此外,数据分析还显示,本地出生人群牙釉质的锶同位素比值平均值与骨骼的锶同位素比值平均值比较接近,暗示喇家遗址当地古人类生活方式可能比较统一。     

关于锶同位素考古研究的几个问题

本文讨论了锶同位素考古研究所涉及的几个重要理论方法问题。首先是岩石、土壤和河流的锶同位素组成以及生物锶的来源问题。然后是锶同位素方法的四点局限性,即骨骼和牙本质样本的成岩污染问题、不同地区的锶同位素重叠现象、牙齿和骨骼的锶同位素混合效应和不能识别移民后代的问题。最后讨论了锶同位素方法应用于人类迁移研究的两个重难点,一是如何分辨一个遗址或墓地中的外来人口,二是如何找到外来人口的来源地。     

δ18O‐derived incubation temperatures of oviraptorosaur eggs

In order to determine the incubation temperature of eggs laid by non‐avian dinosaurs, we analysed the oxygen isotope compositions of both eggshell carbonate (δ¹⁸O_c) and embryo bone phosphate (δ¹⁸O_p) from seven oviraptorosaur eggs with preserved in ovo embryo bones. These eggs come from the Upper Cretaceous Nanxiong Formation of Jiangxi Province, China. Oviraptorosaur theropods were selected because of their known brooding behaviour as evidenced by preserved adult specimens fossilized in brooding posture on their clutch. Incubation temperature of these embryos was estimated based on the following considerations: eggshell δ¹⁸O_c value reflects the oxygen isotope composition of egg water fluid; embryo bones precipitate from the same egg fluid; and oxygen isotope fractionation between phosphate and water is controlled by the egg temperature. A time‐dependent model predicting the δ¹⁸O_p evolution of the embryo skeleton during incubation as a function of egg temperature was built, and measured δ¹⁸O_c and δ¹⁸O_p values used as boundary conditions. According to the model outputs, oviraptorosaurs incubated their eggs within a 35–40°C range, similar to extant birds and compatible with the known active brooding behaviour of these theropod dinosaurs. Provided that both eggshell and embryo bones preserved their original oxygen isotope compositions, this method could be extended to investigate some reproductive traits of other extinct groups of oviparous amniotes.     

Mineralogical–geochemical characteristics of the bone detritus of Pleistocene mammals as a source of paleontological information

A complex mineralogical geochemical study of the bone detritus of large Pleistocene mammals inhabiting the Pechora Fore-Urals, the northernmost European part of their geographical range, is performed for the first time. The chemical composition, microstructure, content of 50 chemical elements are analyzed. The taphonomy of bones, extent of preservation of their initial properties, character and extent of fossilization are considered. The ultraporosity in the nanometer range is examined for the first time; it is established that it can be a marker of epigenetic changes in bones, beginning from the earliest stage of their fossilization. Based on X-ray structure and spectroscopic data, bone bioapatite is referred to carbonate–apatite of the B type. The results of thermal, chromatographic, and spectroscopic studies of collagen extracted from the bones of Pleistocene animals are discussed for the first time. The general trend of chemical degradation of bone proteins during fossilization is determined. The amino acid composition of bone collagen, the isotope composition of C, O, and N in biomineral and organic components of bones in the course of two-stage mass-spectrometer analysis of a complex sample are analyzed for the first time. Based on isotope-geochemical data conclusions concerning the diet and paleoclimatic and paleolandscape conditions of Pleistocene mammals are made.     

Monitoring detrital input and resuspension effects on sediment trap material using mineralogy and stable isotopes (δO and δC): the case of Lake Neuchâtel (Switzerland)

Isotopic analyses on bulk carbonates are considered a useful tool for palaeoclimatic reconstruction assuming calcite precipitation occurring at oxygen isotope equilibrium with local water and detrital carbonate input being absent or insignificant. We present results from Lake Neuchâtel (western Switzerland) that demonstrate equilibrium precipitation of calcite, except during high productivity periods, and the presence of detrital and resuspended calcite. Mineralogy, geochemistry and stable isotope values of Lake Neuchâtel trap sediments and adjacent rivers suspension were studied. Mineralogy of suspended matter in the major inflowing rivers documents an important contribution of detrital carbonates, predominantly calcite with minor amounts of dolomite and ankerite. Using mineralogical data, the quantity of allochthonous calcite can be estimated by comparing the ratio ankerite + dolomite/calcite + ankerite + dolomite in the inflowing rivers and in the traps. Material taken from sediment traps shows an evolution from practically pure endogenic calcite in summer (10–20% detrital material) to higher percentages of detrital material in winter (up to 20–40%). Reflecting these mineralogical variations, δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values of calcite from sediment traps are more negative in summer than in winter times. Since no significant variations in isotopic composition of lake water were detected over one year, factors controlling oxygen isotopic composition of calcite in sediment traps are the precipitation temperature, and the percentage of resuspended and detrital calcite. Samples taken close to the river inflow generally have higher δ values than the others, confirming detrital influence. SEM and isotopic studies on different size fractions (<2, 2–6, 6–20, 20–60, >60 μm) of winter and summer samples allowed the recognition of resuspension and to separate new endogenic calcite from detrital calcite. Fractions>60 and <2 μm have the highest percentage of detritus. Fractions 2–6 and 6–20 μm are typical for the new endogenic calcite in summer, as given by calculations assuming isotopic equilibrium with local water. In winter such fractions show similar values than in summer, indicating resuspension. Using the isotopic composition of sediment traps material and of different size fractions, as well as the isotopic composition of lake water, the water temperature measurements and mineralogy, we re-evaluated the bulk carbonate potential for palaeoclimatic reconstruction in the presence of detrital and re-suspended calcite. This re-evaluation leads to the following conclusion: (1) the endogenic signal can be amplified by applying a particle-size separation, once the size of endogenic calcite is known from SEM study; (2) resuspended calcite does not alter the endogenic signal, but it lowers the time resolution; (3) detrital input decreases at increasing distances from the source, and it modifies the isotopic signal only when very abundant; (4) influence of detrital calcite on bulk sediment isotopic composition can be calculated.     

ESR and U-series analyses of teeth from the palaeoanthropological site of Hexian, Anhui Province, China

ESR and U-series analyses of teeth from the palaeoanthropological site of Hexian which containedHomo erectusremains, illustrate the limited effectiveness of stand-alone ESR and U-series age estimates on faunal materials. The problem lies in the unknown U-uptake history causing very large uncertainties in the age results of both techniques. This study demonstrates the particular strength that lies in the integration of ESR and U-series dating analyses allowing the estimation of the U-uptake history. We obtained a combined ESR/U-series age estimate of 412±25 ka (average of six analyses on two teeth). This pinpoints the deposition of the faunal remains to the time of the transition between oxygen isotope stages 12 and 11. This is in agreement with the faunal composition which show a mixture of cold adapted northern mammals and more subtropical-tropical southern elements. The age also implies that the advanced HexianHomo erectusoccurred at a similar time as the less advancedHomo erectusspecimens at Locality 1 at Zhoukoudian (LI-LIII).     

Palaeodiet reconstruction in a woman with probable celiac disease: A stable isotope analysis of bone remains from the archaeological site of Cosa (Italy)

Stable isotope analysis in the reconstruction of human palaeodiets can yield clues to early human subsistence strategies, origins and history of farming and pastoralist societies, and intra‐ and intergroup social differentiation. In the last 10 years, the method has been extended to the pathological investigation. Stable isotope analysis to better understand a diet‐related disease: celiac disease in ancient human bones was carried out. To do this, we analyzed the nitrogen and carbon isotopic composition of human (n = 37) and faunal (n = 8) bone remains from the archaeological site of Cosa at Ansedonia, on the Tyrrhenian coast near Orbetello (Tuscany), including the skeletal remains of a young woman (late 1st century–early 2nd century Common Era [CE]) with morphological and genetic features suggestive of celiac disease. We compared the young woman's isotopic data with those of other individuals recovered at the same site but from two later time periods (6th century CE; 11–12th century CE) and with literature data from other Italian archaeological sites dating to the same period. Her collagen δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values differed from those of the samples at the same site, and from most but not all of the contemporary sites. Although the woman's diet appears distinct, chronic malnutrition resulting from severe malabsorption of essential nutrients due to celiac disease may have affected the isotopic composition of her bone collagen. Am J Phys Anthropol 154:349–356, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

基于多种同位素模型的侧柏林生态系统蒸散组分定量拆分

为了全面认识森林生态系统蒸散各组分及其对蒸散的贡献率在日尺度上的变化规律,本研究利用同位素稳态和非稳态假设理论结合水同位素分析仪系统,对生长季侧柏林生态系统蒸散各组分进行了定量拆分和比较.结果 表明:4个测定日(2016年8月5、8、10、11日)不同来源水体的18O都呈现表层土壤水氧同位素组成(δS)＞枝条水氧同位素...     

Tracing site‐specific isotopic signatures along a Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus food chain

Food chains culminating with temperate insectivorous passerines are well described, yet whether trophic webs can be site‐specific remains a largely unexplored question. In the case of site‐ or habitat‐specificity of food webs, stable isotope signatures of bird feathers may enable assignment of unmarked individuals to a site or a habitat of origin. We address this question in landscapes that include contrasting forest habitat patches with either deciduous Downy Oak Quercus humilis or evergreen Holm Oak Quercus ilex as dominant tree species. First, we examine the spatial variation across habitats and sites in the stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) along the oak leaf–Tortrix moth Tortrix viridana caterpillar–Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus food chain. Secondly, we assess whether the isotopic signatures allow for correct assignment of individual birds to their site or habitat of origin. At the scale of the landscape, stable isotope values enabled identification of the different components of the Blue Tit food chain: from oak leaves to Blue Tit nestlings and yearling birds. However, isotopic signatures were site‐specific (i.e. geographical) more than habitat‐specific (i.e. deciduous vs. evergreen oaks). Discriminant analyses correctly assigned 85% of nestlings and 83% of resident yearling birds, indicating a pronounced effect of site on Blue Tit feather isotopic signatures. We thereby demonstrate that isotopes reflect a stronger association of locally born birds to the local features of their habitat than that of un‐ringed yearling birds, whose plumage may have grown while in a wider geographical area. This study provides evidence of site‐specific isotopic signatures from oak leaves to Blue Tit feathers at a fine spatial scale.     

Dentine oxygen isotopes (δ18O) as a proxy for odontocete distributions and movements

Spatial variation in marine oxygen isotope ratios (δ¹⁸O) resulting from differential evaporation rates and precipitation inputs is potentially useful for characterizing marine mammal distributions and tracking movements across δ¹⁸O gradients. Dentine hydroxyapatite contains carbonate and phosphate that precipitate in oxygen isotopic equilibrium with body water, which in odontocetes closely tracks the isotopic composition of ambient water. To test whether dentine oxygen isotope composition reliably records that of ambient water and can therefore serve as a proxy for odontocete distribution and movement patterns, we measured δ¹⁸O values of dentine structural carbonate (δ¹⁸O_SC) and phosphate (δ¹⁸O_P) of seven odontocete species (n = 55 individuals) from regional marine water bodies spanning a surface water δ¹⁸O range of several per mil. Mean dentine δ¹⁸O_SC (range +21.2 to +25.5‰ VSMOW) and δ¹⁸O_P (+16.7 to +20.3‰) values were strongly correlated with marine surface water δ¹⁸O values, with lower dentine δ¹⁸O_SC and δ¹⁸O_P values in high‐latitude regions (Arctic and Eastern North Pacific) and higher values in the Gulf of California, Gulf of Mexico, and Mediterranean Sea. Correlations between dentine δ¹⁸O_SC and δ¹⁸O_P values with marine surface water δ¹⁸O values indicate that sequential δ¹⁸O measurements along dentine, which grows incrementally and archives intra‐ and interannual isotopic composition over the lifetime of the animal, would be useful for characterizing residency within and movements among water bodies with strong δ¹⁸O gradients, particularly between polar and lower latitudes, or between oceans and marginal basins.     

Relationship between age and deposit of peritubular dentine

Peritubular dentine is a mineralised deposit formed centripetally in the dentine tubules with advancing age, so that the tubular diameter is smaller in teeth from older persons. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between age in humans and the amount of peritubular dentine and the extent of the consequent obliteration of the tubules, and to find out whether this relationship was strong enough to be used as a parameter for age estimation. Fifty mandibular central and lateral human incisors were ground on the lingual aspect of the root and examined in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The number of open tubules was counted and the diameter of the tubules measured both before and after etching with 35% orthophosphoric acid. The difference in the number of tubules in unetched and etched specimens was taken to be the number of occluded tubules, and the difference in radii before and after etching to be the thickness of peritubular dentine. The results did not demonstrate a significant relationship between age and the reduction in the number of tubules. One explanation might be that a certain age has to be reached before obliterated dentine tubules can be observed. The correlation between age and the thickness of peritubular dentine was not significant in teeth extracted because of periodontal disease, so these teeth were excluded from the regression analysis with age as the dependent variable. Only the thickness of peritubular dentine was included in the regression (r=0.69); this factor was a better indicator of age than the tubular diameter, but not so closely related to age that it can be recommended for general use in forensic and archaeological age estimations.     

Hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios in body water and hair: modeling isotope dynamics in nonhuman primates

The stable isotopic composition of drinking water, diet, and atmospheric oxygen influence the isotopic composition of body water ((2)H/(1)H, (18)O/(16)O expressed as δ(2) H and δ(18)O). In turn, body water influences the isotopic composition of organic matter in tissues, such as hair and teeth, which are often used to reconstruct historical dietary and movement patterns of animals and humans. Here, we used a nonhuman primate system (Macaca fascicularis) to test the robustness of two different mechanistic stable isotope models: a model to predict the δ(2)H and δ(18)O values of body water and a second model to predict the δ(2)H and δ(18)O values of hair. In contrast to previous human-based studies, use of nonhuman primates fed controlled diets allowed us to further constrain model parameter values and evaluate model predictions. Both models reliably predicted the δ(2)H and δ(18)O values of body water and of hair. Moreover, the isotope data allowed us to better quantify values for two critical variables in the models: the δ(2)H and δ(18)O values of gut water and the (18)O isotope fractionation associated with a carbonyl oxygen-water interaction in the gut (α(ow)). Our modeling efforts indicated that better predictions for body water and hair isotope values were achieved by making the isotopic composition of gut water approached that of body water. Additionally, the value of α(ow) was 1.0164, in close agreement with the only other previously measured observation (microbial spore cell walls), suggesting robustness of this fractionation factor across different biological systems.