Tracing the locality of prisoners and workers at the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang: First Emperor of China (259-210 BC)

Breastfeeding, weaning, and dietary practices during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1122-771 BC) at Boyangcheng, Anhui Province, China

OBJECTIVES

Here we investigate breastfeeding and weaning practices and adult dietary habits at the Western Zhou Dynasty (1122-771 BC) site of Boyangcheng () located in Anhui Province, China. In addition, we utilize the differences in bone collagen turnover rates between rib and long bones from the same individual to examine past life histories, such as changes in diet or residence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bone collagen from both the rib and long bones (either femora or humeri) of 42 individuals was measured for stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ¹³ C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵ N). In addition, δ¹³ C and δ¹⁵ N values are reported for 35 animals (dogs, cows, horses, pigs, and deer).

RESULTS

The human δ¹³ C values range from -20.7‰ to -12.0‰ with a mean value of -18.8 ± 1.6‰. The human δ¹⁵ N values range from 9.1‰ to 13.4‰ with a mean value of 10.9 ± 1.0‰. The animals display a wide range of δ¹³ C (-21.5‰ to -8.2‰; -15.8 ± 4.5‰) and δ¹⁵ N values (4.0‰ to 9.5‰; 6.5 ± 1.8‰).

CONCLUSIONS

The adult δ¹³ C and δ¹⁵ N results indicate that mixed C₃ (rice) and C₄ (millet) terrestrial diets with varying levels of animal protein (mostly pigs and deer) were consumed. The elevated subadult δ¹⁵ N results return to adult levels by approximately 3-4 years of age, indicating that the weaning process was completed during this period. Individuals between 2 and 10 years old, with lower δ¹³ C and δ¹⁵ N results than the adult mean, possibly consumed more plant-based diets, and this is consistent with Chinese medical teachings ∼1500 years later during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). The isotopic offsets between the ribs and long bones revealed that five adults experienced dramatic dietary shifts in their later lives, switching from predominately C₃ /C₄ to C₃ diets. This research provides the first isotopic information about ancient Chinese breastfeeding and weaning practices and establishes a foundation for future studies to examine diachronic trends.