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Waltenberger L, Bosch MD, Fritzl M, Gahleitner A, Kurzmann C, Piniel M, Salisbury RB, Strnad L, Skerjanz H, Verdianu D, Snoeck C, Kanz F, Rebay-Salisbury K. More than urns: A multi-method pipeline for analyzing cremation burials. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289140. [PMID: 37647251 PMCID: PMC10468036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Burial rites of archaeological populations are frequently interpreted based on cremated remains of the human body and the urn they were deposited in. In comparison to inhumations, information about the deceased is much more limited and dependent on fragmentation, selection of body regions, taphonomic processes, and excavation techniques. So far, little attention has been paid to the context in which urns are buried. In this study, we combined archaeological techniques with anthropology, computed tomography, archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, geochemistry and isotopic approaches and conducted a detailed analysis on a case study of two Late Bronze Age urns from St. Pölten, Austria (c. 1430 and 1260 cal. BCE). The urns were recovered en-bloc and CT-scanned before the micro-excavation. Osteological and strontium isotope analysis revealed that the cremated remains comprised a young adult female and a child that died at the age of 10-12 years. Both individuals had been subject to physiological stress and were likely local. Animal bones burnt at different temperatures suggested different depositional pathways into the urn and pit as part of the pyre, food offerings, and unintentional settlement debris. Eight wild plant and five crop plant species appeared as part of the local landscape, as food offerings and fire accelerants. Sediment chemistry suggests that pyre remains were deposited around the urns during burial. Multi-element geochemistry, archaeobotany, and zooarchaeology provide insights into the Late Bronze Age environment, the process of cremation, the gathering of bones and final funerary deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Waltenberger
- Austrian Archaeological Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Unit of Forensic Anthropology, Center for Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marjolein D. Bosch
- Austrian Archaeological Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michaela Fritzl
- Austrian Archaeological Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - André Gahleitner
- Clinical Division of Radiology, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Kurzmann
- Clinical Division of Conservative Dentistry, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Center of Clinical Research, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian Piniel
- Austrian Archaeological Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roderick B. Salisbury
- Austrian Archaeological Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ladislav Strnad
- Laboratories of the Geological Institutes, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hannah Skerjanz
- Austrian Archaeological Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Domnika Verdianu
- Austrian Archaeological Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christophe Snoeck
- Multidisciplinary Archaeological Research Institute, Department of Art Sciences and Archaeology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
- Research Unit: Analytical, Environmental & Geo-Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit, Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Fabian Kanz
- Unit of Forensic Anthropology, Center for Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Esposito C, Gigante M, Lugli F, Miranda P, Cavazzuti C, Sperduti A, Pacciarelli M, Stoddart S, Reimer P, Malone C, Bondioli L, Müller W. Intense community dynamics in the pre-Roman frontier site of Fermo (ninth-fifth century BCE, Marche, central Italy) inferred from isotopic data. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3632. [PMID: 36869081 PMCID: PMC9984403 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29466-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The Early Iron Age in Italy (end of the tenth to the eighth century BCE) was characterized by profound changes which influenced the subsequent political and cultural scenario in the peninsula. At the end of this period people from the eastern Mediterranean (e.g. Phoenicians and Greek people) settled along the Italian, Sardinian and Sicilian coasts. Among local populations, the so-called Villanovan culture group-mainly located on the Tyrrhenian side of central Italy and in the southern Po plain-stood out since the beginning for the extent of their geographical expansion across the peninsula and their leading position in the interaction with diverse groups. The community of Fermo (ninth-fifth century BCE), related to the Villanovan groups but located in the Picene area (Marche), is a model example of these population dynamics. This study integrates archaeological, osteological, carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N) (n = 25 human) and strontium (87Sr/86Sr) isotope data (n = 54 human, n = 11 baseline samples) to explore human mobility through Fermo funerary contexts. The combination of these different sources enabled us to confirm the presence of non-local individuals and gain insight into community connectivity dynamics in Early Iron Age Italian frontier sites. This research contributes to one of the leading historical questions of Italian development in the first millennium BCE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Esposito
- School of History, Archaeology and Religion, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3EU, UK.
- School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN, UK.
| | - Melania Gigante
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Padua, 35139, Padua, Italy
| | - Federico Lugli
- Laboratory of Osteoarchaeology and Paleoanthropology (Bones Lab), Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, 48100, Ravenna, Italy
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Pasquale Miranda
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Naples Federico II, 80133, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Cavazzuti
- Department of History Cultures Civilizations, University of Bologna, 40124, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sperduti
- Bioarchaeology Service, Museum of Civilizations, 00144, Rome, Italy
- Department of Asian, African and Mediterranean Studies, University of Naples "L'Orientale", 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Pacciarelli
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Naples Federico II, 80133, Naples, Italy
| | - Simon Stoddart
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3ER, UK
| | - Paula Reimer
- School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Caroline Malone
- School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Luca Bondioli
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Padua, 35139, Padua, Italy
- Laboratory of Osteoarchaeology and Paleoanthropology (Bones Lab), Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, 48100, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Müller
- Institute of Geosciences, Goethe University, 60438, Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Isotope and Element Research Center (FIERCE), Goethe University, 60438, Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Let’s make a mess, maybe no one will notice. The impact of bioturbation activity on the urn fill condition. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274068. [PMID: 36054191 PMCID: PMC9439216 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The research was carried out at the cremation cemetery of the Lusatian culture in Wtórek, Ostrów Wielkopolski district, Wielkopolska province, Poland. Contrary to the so-far-studied topics related to the CT imaging of burnt bones and their virtual exploration, we concentrated on the analysis of the structures formed by the soil fauna activity in the fills of urns and additional vessels, and reconstruction of the dynamics of the ecosystem variability within the cemetery area based on thereof. We also demonstrated the impact of macrofaunal activity on stratigraphy and bone fragmentation. From the total of 222 excavated burials in 18 urns and one additional vessel, the remains of macrofauna or its bioturbation activity were identified. Out of 19 vessels subjected to CT examinations, traces of macrofaunal activity were demonstrated in 13: in five vessels animal bioturbative activity was not observed and in one, observations was impossible (due to significant metal-related artifacts). In two vessels both macrofaunal remains and traces of activity were identified. Discovered bioturbations were associated with specific species or genera. Nests or their parts of the genus Geotrupes sp. beetles were the most frequently observed traces of macrofaunal activity. Tunnels and aestivation chambers of earthworms and chambers of the genus Harpalus sp. beetles filled with Setaria sp. caryopses were discovered. The chitinous parts of other insects and the humerus bones of the vole of the genus Microtus sp. were also identified. It was shown, especially due to the non-destructive method, that rodents activity had the most destructive effect on the bone stratigraphy as well as on the movement and fragmentation of the burnt bones. The chances of visualizing bioturbations decreased with time since their creation. The process of disappearance of traces of macrofaunal activity concerned both traces of rodent activity and nests set up by Geotrupes sp. and other species.
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Strontium isotope analyses of archaeological cremated remains – new data and perspectives. Data Brief 2022; 42:108115. [PMID: 35496490 PMCID: PMC9038568 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2022.108115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cremated human remains are commonly found in the archaeological records, especially in Europe during the Metal Ages and the Roman period. Due to the high temperatures reached during cremation (up to 1000°C), most biological information locked in the isotopic composition of different tissues is heavily altered or even destroyed. The recent demonstration that strontium isotope ratio (87Sr/86Sr) remain unaltered during cremation and are even very resistant to post-burial alterations (which is not the case in unburned bone), opened new possibility for palaeomobility studies of ancient populations that practice cremations as a funerary ritual. This paper summarizes strontium isotopic data produced over the last decade which is then deposited on the open-access platform IsoArcH (https://isoarch.eu/) for any interested parties to use. It is the first time isotopic data on cremated remains is introduced in this database, significantly extending its impact on the scientific community.
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Sarancha JJ, Eerkens JW, Hopkins CJ, Gonçalves D, Cunha E, Oliveira-Santos I, Vassalo A, Gordon GW. The Effects of Burning on Isotope Ratio Values in Modern Bone: Importance of Experimental Design for Forensic Applications. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 337:111370. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Kootker LM, Laffoon JE. Assessing the preservation of biogenic strontium isotope ratios ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) in the pars petrosa ossis temporalis of unburnt human skeletal remains: A case study from Saba. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2022; 36:e9277. [PMID: 35189670 PMCID: PMC9287042 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Strontium isotope (87 Sr/86 Sr) analysis of skeletal remains has become a powerful tool in archaeological studies of human migration and mobility. Owing to its resistance to post-mortem alteration, dental enamel is the preferred sampling material used for 87 Sr/86 Sr analysis in bioarchaeological provenance research, although recent studies have demonstrated that cremated bone is also generally resistant to diagenesis. This paper presents the results of a pilot study exploring the potential of unburnt petrous bone (pars petrosa) as a reservoir of biogenic (diagenetically unaltered) strontium, as the otic capsule or bony labyrinth within the petrous bone is extremely dense and is thought to be unable to remodel after early childhood, potentially providing an alternative for dental enamel. METHODS From an individual from a colonial-era (18th century) site on the island of Saba in the Caribbean for whom previous enamel 87 Sr/86 Sr results had indicated non-local origins, multiple locations (n = 4) on the petrous were sampled and measured for strontium isotope composition. Saba (13 km2 ) has been extensively mapped for baseline strontium isotopes (n = 50) with 87 Sr/86 Sr varying from ca 0.7065 to 0.7090, whereas enamel 87 Sr/86 Sr (n = 3) ranged from 0.7104 to 0.7112. RESULTS All four petrous 87 Sr/86 Sr ratios (0.7111-0.7122) are consistently and considerably higher than the local bioavailable range, and very similar to the enamel 87 Sr/86 Sr. These results provide initial evidence that unburnt petrous bones may preserve biogenic strontium, at least in this specific burial context. CONCLUSIONS While more research in diverse burial conditions is needed to validate this observation, if confirmed, it would have broader implications for sample selection strategies in bioarchaeological studies using the strontium isotope method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisette M. Kootker
- Geology & Geochemistry ClusterVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- CLUE+Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Jason E. Laffoon
- Geology & Geochemistry ClusterVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- Faculty of ArchaeologyLeiden UniversityLeidenthe Netherlands
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Frei R, Frank AB, Frei KM. The proper choice of proxies for relevant strontium isotope baselines used for provenance and mobility studies in glaciated terranes - Important messages from Denmark. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 821:153394. [PMID: 35093367 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Strontium (Sr) isotope based provenance and mobility studies of ancient humans and animals necessitate representative isoscapes/baselines. However, regions/terranes that were shaped and affected by glaciers during the last Ice Ages and are covered by glaciogenic sediments present a challenge with regards to the choice of suitable surface proxy archives. Recent studies proposed that only 87Sr/86Sr signatures from pristine areas are relevant for this purpose. To test this theory, 160 new Sr concentrations [Sr] and 87Sr/86Sr signatures composed from ~960 subsamples of soil leachates and plants, complemented with 55 surface waters from agriculturally unaffected pristine forest sites from all over Denmark (island of Bornholm excluded) were analyzed. The results reveal that average 87Sr/86Sr signatures of all three proxies (plants: 0.7115 ± 0.0025; 2σ, n = 162; soil leachates: 0.7118 ± 0.0037; 2σ; n = 161, surface waters: 0.7104 ± 0.0030; 2σ, n = 55) are elevated compared to larger water bodies (creeks, rivers, lakes). In mixing diagrams, the data converge in a shared high [Sr] low 87Sr/86Sr endmember, which points to either remnant natural carbonates and/or organic components retaining carbonate Sr in the studied Podzols/Luvisols. The indications for more abundant carbonates in the past, compared to today's acid leached soils, implies that 87Sr/86Sr values measured from pristine forest locations and heathlands do not adequately reflect the biosphere compositions that prevailed ~12,000-2000 thousand years ago. Consequently, pristine forests in Denmark seem to be unsuitable proxy archive environments for constructing Sr isotope baselines for determining the provenance and mobility of ancient humans and animals. Hence, 87Sr/86Sr values measured in these pristine areas are non-representative and inadequate, and their use will lead to wrong interpretations. Finally, our study sheds light on the complexity of defining relevant and representative isoscapes/baselines in significantly changing environments and areas where the surface biosphere conditions do not necessary reflect the underlying geology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Frei
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, 1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Anja B Frank
- Department of Research, Collections and Conservation, Environmental Archaeology and Materials Science, National Museum of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Karin M Frei
- Department of Research, Collections and Conservation, Environmental Archaeology and Materials Science, National Museum of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
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Application of the lateral angle method for sex determination of cremated individuals from burials of the Lusatian culture cemetery in Czernikowice, Poland. ANTHROPOLOGICAL REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.18778/1898-6773.85.1.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Research of cremated human remains are limited by severe analytical constraints. Estimation of basic anthropological parameters such as sex of individuals or their age at death is often uncertain. A method for assessing the sex of cremated individuals measures the lateral angle of the petrous part (PP) of the temporal bone, known as the lateral angle (LA) method.
In the cemetery of the Lusatian culture in Czernikowice (51.317389°N, 15.871469°E), 6 well-preserved PP were identified. The analyzed PP belonged to 6 different individuals: 3 adults and 3 children. Based on standard anthropological methods, sex was estimated for adults individuals: 2 males and 1 female. The identified PP served as the basis for application of the LA method. The bones were scanned by computed tomography (CT) and the tomographic imaging allowed measurement of the lateral angle.
The absolute values of intra-observer errors did not exceed 1°. Relative technical errors of measurements (rTEM) fell in the range below 5%, which is indicative of their high precision. Individuals for which the LA value was greater than or equal to 45.0° were qualified as females and those for which it was less than 45.0° – as males. The LA values for female individuals ranged from 48.0 to 49.1°, (average 48.5±0.78°, median 48.4°) and for male individuals were in the range of 24.9-37.5° (average 33.4±5.80°, median 35.5°). The absolute difference between the average values for female and male individuals was considerable (15.1°) and statistically significant (p < 0.001).
The LA method provides good reliability of measurements when it comes to this analysis with regard to cremated osteological material, and the use of non-invasive CT enhances its value in the context of archaeological remains. However, its capability for sexing subadult individuals should be approached with caution and requires further research.
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Cavazzuti C, Hajdu T, Lugli F, Sperduti A, Vicze M, Horváth A, Major I, Molnár M, Palcsu L, Kiss V. Human mobility in a Bronze Age Vatya 'urnfield' and the life history of a high-status woman. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254360. [PMID: 34319991 PMCID: PMC8318297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we present osteological and strontium isotope data of 29 individuals (26 cremations and 3 inhumations) from Szigetszentmiklós-Ürgehegy, one of the largest Middle Bronze Age cemeteries in Hungary. The site is located in the northern part of the Csepel Island (a few kilometres south of Budapest) and was in use between c. 2150 and 1500 BC, a period that saw the rise, the apogee, and, ultimately, the collapse of the Vatya culture in the plains of Central Hungary. The main aim of our study was to identify variation in mobility patterns among individuals of different sex/age/social status and among individuals treated with different burial rites using strontium isotope analysis. Changes in funerary rituals in Hungary have traditionally been associated with the crises of the tell cultures and the introgression of newcomers from the area of the Tumulus Culture in Central Europe around 1500 BC. Our results show only slight discrepancies between inhumations and cremations, as well as differences between adult males and females. The case of the richly furnished grave n. 241 is of particular interest. The urn contains the cremated bones of an adult woman and two 7 to 8-month-old foetuses, as well as remarkably prestigious goods. Using 87Sr/86Sr analysis of different dental and skeletal remains, which form in different life stages, we were able to reconstruct the potential movements of this high-status woman over almost her entire lifetime, from birth to her final days. Our study confirms the informative potential of strontium isotopes analyses performed on different cremated tissues. From a more general, historical perspective, our results reinforce the idea that exogamic practices were common in Bronze Age Central Europe and that kinship ties among high-rank individuals were probably functional in establishing or strengthening interconnections, alliances, and economic partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Cavazzuti
- Dipartimento di Storia Culture Civiltà, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italia
- Archaeology Department, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Tamás Hajdu
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Anthropology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Federico Lugli
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sperduti
- Museo delle Civiltà, Sezione di Bioarcheologia, Rome, Italy
- University of Napoli “L’Orientale”, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Aniko Horváth
- ICER Centre, Institute for Nuclear Research, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Major
- ICER Centre, Institute for Nuclear Research, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Mihály Molnár
- ICER Centre, Institute for Nuclear Research, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Palcsu
- ICER Centre, Institute for Nuclear Research, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Viktória Kiss
- Institute of Archaeology, Research Centre for the Humanities, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Centre of Excellence, Budapest, Hungary
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Reiter SS, Møller NA, Nielsen BH, Bech JH, Olsen ALH, Jørkov MLS, Kaul F, Mannering U, Frei KM. Into the fire: Investigating the introduction of cremation to Nordic Bronze Age Denmark: A comparative study between different regions applying strontium isotope analyses and archaeological methods. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249476. [PMID: 33979332 PMCID: PMC8115792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in funerary practices are key to the understanding of social transformations of past societies. Over the course of the Nordic Bronze Age, funerary practices changed from inhumation to cremation. The aim of this study is to shed light on this fundamental change through a cross-examination of archaeometric provenance data and archaeological discussions of the context and layouts of early cremation graves. To this end, we conducted 19 new provenance analyses of strontium isotopes from Early Nordic Bronze age contexts in Thisted County and Zealand and Late Bronze Age contexts from Thisted County and Vesthimmerland (Denmark). These data are subsequently compared with data from other extant relevant studies, including those from Late Bronze Age Fraugde on the Danish island of Fyn. Overall, the variations within our provenience data suggest that the integration and establishment of cremation may not have had a one-to-one relationship with in-migration to Nordic Bronze Age Denmark. Moreover, there seems to be no single blanket scenario which dictated the uptake of cremation as a practice within this part of Southern Scandinavia. By addressing habitus in relation to the deposition of cremations as juxtaposed with these provenance data¸ we hypothesize several potential pathways for the uptake of cremation as a new cultural practice within the Danish Nordic Bronze Age and suggest that this may have been a highly individual process, whose tempo may have been dictated by the specificities of the region(s) concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha S. Reiter
- Department of Environmental Archaeology and Materials Science, The National Museum of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby (Brede), Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Flemming Kaul
- Department of Ancient Cultures of Denmark and the Mediterranean, The National Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulla Mannering
- Department of Ancient Cultures of Denmark and the Mediterranean, The National Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karin M. Frei
- Department of Environmental Archaeology and Materials Science, The National Museum of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby (Brede), Denmark
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Ladegaard-Pedersen P, Sabatini S, Frei R, Kristiansen K, Frei KM. Testing Late Bronze Age mobility in southern Sweden in the light of a new multi-proxy strontium isotope baseline of Scania. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250279. [PMID: 33882110 PMCID: PMC8059841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bronze Age of Sweden’s southernmost region, Scania, is complex and intriguing. One could say that Scania represented in many ways a gateway for people, ideas and material culture connecting continental Europe with Sweden. Shedding light on the dynamics of human mobility in this region requires an in depth understanding of the local archaeological contexts across time. In this study, we present new archaeological human data from the Late Bronze Age Simris II site, located in an area of Scania showing a dynamic environment throughout the Late Bronze Age, thus likely involving various forms of mobility. Because the characterization of solid strontium isotope baselines is vital for delineating human mobility in prehistory using the strontium isotope methodology, we introduce the first environmentally based multi-proxy (surface water-, plant- and soil leachates) strontium isotope baselines for sub-regions of Scania. Our results show, that the highly complex and spatially scattered lithologies characterising Scania does not allow for a spatially meaningful, geology-based grouping of multi-proxy data that could be beneficial for provenance studies. Instead, we propose sub-regional baselines for areas that don’t necessarily fully correspond and reflect the immediate distribution of bedrock lithologies. Rather than working with a Scania-wide multi-proxy baseline, which we define as 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7133 ± 0.0059 (n = 102, 2σ), we propose sub-regional, multi-proxy baselines as follows: Area 1, farthest to the north, by 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7184 ± 0.0061 (n = 16, 2σ); Area 2, comprising the mid and western part of Scania, with 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7140 ± 0.0043 (n = 48, 2σ); Area 3–4, roughly corresponding to a NW-SE trending zone dominated by horst-graben tectonics across Scania, plus the carbonate dominated south western part of Scania with 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7110 ± 0.0030 (n = 39, 2σ). Our results also reflect that the complexity of the geology of Scania requires systematic, high density, statistically sound sampling of multiple proxies to adequately constrain the baseline ranges, particularly of those areas dominated by Precambrian lithologies. The averaging effect of biosphere Sr in surface water might be beneficial for the characterization of baselines in such terranes. Our sub-regional, area-specific baselines allow for a first comparison of different baseline construction strategies (single-proxy versus multi-proxy; Scania-wide versus sub-regional). From the Late Bronze Age Simris II site, we identified six individuals that could be analysed for Sr isotopes, to allow for an interpretation of their provenance using the newly established, environmental strontium isotope baselines. All but one signature agrees with the local baselines, including the 87Sr/86Sr value we measured for a young individual buried in a house urn, typically interpreted as evidence for long distance contacts. The results are somewhat unexpected and provides new aspects into the complexity of Scandinavian Bronze Age societies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Serena Sabatini
- Department of Historical Studies, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Robert Frei
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Kristiansen
- Department of Historical Studies, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Globe Institute, Lundbeck Foundation, GeoGenetics Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Veselka B, Locher H, de Groot JCMJ, Davies GR, Snoeck C, Kootker LM. Strontium isotope ratios related to childhood mobility: Revisiting sampling strategies of the calcined human pars petrosa ossis temporalis. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2021; 35:e9038. [PMID: 33370492 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Strontium isotope analysis can be applied to the calcined human otic capsule in the petrous part (pars petrosa ossis temporalis; PP) to gain information on childhood mobility in archaeological and forensic contexts. However, only a thin layer of the otic capsule, the inner cortex, demonstrates virtually no remodelling. This paper proposes an improved sampling method for the accurate sampling of the inner cortex of the otic capsule to ensure that 87 Sr/86 Sr ratios related to early childhood are obtained. METHODS Calcined rib and diaphyseal fragments and PP from ten cremation deposits are sampled for strontium isotope analysis, whereby our improved sampling strategy is applied to sample the inner cortex of the otic capsule. This allows inter- and intraskeletal 87 Sr/86 Sr comparison within an Iron Age collection from Oss, The Netherlands. RESULTS Forty percent (4/10) of the calcined PP that were evaluated for this study show marked differences in 87 Sr/86 Sr (0.00035-0.00065) between the inner cortex and the bone sample surrounding this layer, the external cortex that has higher remodelling rates. Differences in 87 Sr/86 Sr between various skeletal elements also aided in the identification of the minimum number of individuals. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates the problematic nature of the external cortex and stresses the need for a precise sampling method of the correct areas of the otic capsule. This can only be obtained by cutting the calcined PP midmodiolarly to enable adequate combustion degree assessment, and the correct identification and sampling of the inner cortex of the otic capsule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Veselka
- Maritime Cultures Research Institute, Department of Arts, Sciences, and Archaeology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
| | - Heiko Locher
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - John C M J de Groot
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Gareth R Davies
- Geology and Geochemistry Cluster, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), The Netherlands
| | - Christophe Snoeck
- Maritime Cultures Research Institute, Department of Arts, Sciences, and Archaeology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
- G-time Laboratory, Department of Geoscience, Environment, and Society, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Lisette M Kootker
- Geology and Geochemistry Cluster, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), The Netherlands
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13
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Simpson R, Cooper DML, Swanston T, Coulthard I, Varney TL. Historical overview and new directions in bioarchaeological trace element analysis: a review. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2021; 13:24. [PMID: 33520004 PMCID: PMC7810633 DOI: 10.1007/s12520-020-01262-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Given their strong affinity for the skeleton, trace elements are often stored in bones and teeth long term. Diet, geography, health, disease, social status, activity, and occupation are some factors which may cause differential exposure to, and uptake of, trace elements, theoretically introducing variability in their concentrations and/or ratios in the skeleton. Trace element analysis of bioarchaeological remains has the potential, therefore, to provide rich insights into past human lifeways. This review provides a historical overview of bioarchaeological trace element analysis and comments on the current state of the discipline by highlighting approaches with growing momentum. Popularity for the discipline surged following preliminary studies in the 1960s to 1970s that demonstrated the utility of strontium (Sr) as a dietary indicator. During the 1980s, Sr/Ca ratio and multi-element studies were commonplace in bioarchaeology, linking trace elements with dietary phenomena. Interest in using trace elements for bioarchaeological inferences waned following a period of critiques in the late 1980s to 1990s that argued the discipline failed to account for diagenesis, simplified complex element uptake and regulation processes, and used several unsuitable elements for palaeodietary reconstruction (e.g. those under homeostatic regulation, those without a strong affinity for the skeleton). In the twenty-first century, trace element analyses have been primarily restricted to Sr and lead (Pb) isotope analysis and the study of toxic trace elements, though small pockets of bioarchaeology have continued to analyse multiple elements. Techniques such as micro-sampling, element mapping, and non-traditional stable isotope analysis have provided novel insights which hold the promise of helping to overcome limitations faced by the discipline. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12520-020-01262-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Simpson
- Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Canada
- Present Address: Department of Anthropology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - David M. L. Cooper
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Canada
| | - Treena Swanston
- Department of Anthropology, Economics and Political Science, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | | | - Tamara L. Varney
- Department of Anthropology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON Canada
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14
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Croix S, Frei KM, Sindbæk SM, Søvsø M. Individual geographic mobility in a Viking-Age emporium-Burial practices and strontium isotope analyses of Ribe's earliest inhabitants. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237850. [PMID: 32853240 PMCID: PMC7451598 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual geographic mobility is a key social dynamic of early Viking-Age urbanization in Scandinavia. We present the first comprehensive geographic mobility study of Scandinavia’s earliest emporium, Ribe, which emerged around AD 700 in the North Sea region of Denmark. This article presents the results of strontium isotope analyses of 21 individuals buried at Ribe, combined with an in-depth study of the varied cultural affinities reflected by the burial practices. In order to investigate geographic mobility in early life/childhood, we sampled multiple teeth and/or petrous bone of individuals, which yielded a total of 43 strontium isotope analyses. Most individuals yielded strontium isotope values that fell within a relatively narrow range, between 87Sr/86Sr = 0.709 to 0.711. Only two individuals yielded values >87Sr/86Sr = 0.711. This suggests that most of these individuals had local origins but some had cultural affinities beyond present-day Denmark. Our results raise new questions concerning our understanding of the social and cultural dynamics behind the urbanization of Scandinavia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Croix
- Centre for Urban Network Evolutions (UrbNet), School of Culture and Society, Aarhus University, Højbjerg, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Søren Michael Sindbæk
- Centre for Urban Network Evolutions (UrbNet), School of Culture and Society, Aarhus University, Højbjerg, Denmark
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15
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Charlton S, Booth T, Barnes I. The problem with petrous? A consideration of the potential biases in the utilization of pars petrosa for ancient DNA analysis. WORLD ARCHAEOLOGY 2020; 51:574-585. [PMID: 32405262 PMCID: PMC7195170 DOI: 10.1080/00438243.2019.1694062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Advances in NGS sequencing technologies, improved laboratory protocols and new bioinformatic workflows have seen huge increases in ancient DNA (aDNA) research on archaeological materials. A large proportion of aDNA work now utilizes the petrous portion of the temporal bone (pars petrosa), which is recognized as an excellent skeletal element for long-term ancient endogenous (host) DNA survival. This has been significant due to the often low endogenous content of other skeletal elements, meaning that large amounts of sequencing are frequently required to obtain sufficient genetic coverage. However, exclusive sampling of the petrous for aDNA analysis introduces a new set of potential biases into our scientific studies - and these issues are yet to be considered by ancient DNA researchers. This paper aims to outline the possible biases of utilizing petrous bones to undertake aDNA analyses and highlight how these complications may potentially be overcome in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophy Charlton
- Department of Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
- PalaeoBARN, School of Archaeology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas Booth
- Ancient Genomics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Ian Barnes
- Department of Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
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16
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Frei KM, Bergerbrant S, Sjögren KG, Jørkov ML, Lynnerup N, Harvig L, Allentoft ME, Sikora M, Price TD, Frei R, Kristiansen K. Mapping human mobility during the third and second millennia BC in present-day Denmark. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219850. [PMID: 31433798 PMCID: PMC6703675 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We present results of the largest multidisciplinary human mobility investigation to date of skeletal remains from present-day Denmark encompassing the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC. Through a multi-analytical approach based on 88 individuals from 37 different archaeological localities in which we combine strontium isotope and radiocarbon analyses together with anthropological investigations, we explore whether there are significant changes in human mobility patterns during this period. Overall, our data suggest that mobility of people seems to have been continuous throughout the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC. However, our data also indicate a clear shift in mobility patterns from around 1600 BC onwards, with a larger variation in the geographical origin of the migrants, and potentially including more distant regions. This shift occurred during a transition period at the beginning of the Nordic Bronze Age at a time when society flourished, expanded and experienced an unprecedented economic growth, suggesting that these aspects were closely related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Margarita Frei
- National Museum of Denmark, Department of Research, Collections and Conservation, Environmental Archaeology and Material Science, I.C. Modewegsvej, Brede, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Sophie Bergerbrant
- Institute for Historical Studies, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karl-Göran Sjögren
- Institute for Historical Studies, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie Louise Jørkov
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Lynnerup
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lise Harvig
- Department of Archaeological Science and Conservation, Højbjerg, Moesgaard Museum, Denmark
| | - Morten E. Allentoft
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Sikora
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - T. Douglas Price
- Institute for Historical Studies, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Laboratory for Archaeological Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Robert Frei
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Gaudio D, Fernandes DM, Schmidt R, Cheronet O, Mazzarelli D, Mattia M, O'Keeffe T, Feeney RNM, Cattaneo C, Pinhasi R. Genome-Wide DNA from Degraded Petrous Bones and the Assessment of Sex and Probable Geographic Origins of Forensic Cases. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8226. [PMID: 31160682 PMCID: PMC6547751 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44638-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of biological information and assessment of the most probable geographic origin of unidentified individuals for obtaining positive identification is central in forensic sciences. Identification based on forensic DNA, however, varies greatly in relation to degradation of DNA. Our primary aim is to assess the applicability of a petrous bone sampling method in combination with Next Generation Sequencing to evaluate the quality and quantity of DNA in taphonomically degraded petrous bones from forensic and cemetery cases. A related aim is to analyse the genomic data to obtain the molecular sex of each individual, and their most probable geographic origin. Six of seven subjects were previously identified and used for comparison with the results. To analyse their probable geographic origin, samples were genotyped for the 627.719 SNP positions. Results show that the inner ear cochlear region of the petrous bone provides good percentages of endogenous DNA (14.61–66.89%), even in the case of burnt bodies. All comparisons between forensic records and genetic results agree (sex) and are compatible (geographic origin). The application of the proposed methodology may be a powerful tool for use in forensic scenarios, ranging from missing persons to unidentified migrants who perish when crossing borders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gaudio
- School of Archaeology and Earth Institute, University College of Dublin, Dublin 4, Belfield, Ireland.
| | - Daniel M Fernandes
- School of Archaeology and Earth Institute, University College of Dublin, Dublin 4, Belfield, Ireland.,Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14 1090, Wien, Austria.,CIAS, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ryan Schmidt
- School of Archaeology and Earth Institute, University College of Dublin, Dublin 4, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Olivia Cheronet
- School of Archaeology and Earth Institute, University College of Dublin, Dublin 4, Belfield, Ireland.,Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Debora Mazzarelli
- LabAnOF, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Mirko Mattia
- LabAnOF, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Tadhg O'Keeffe
- School of Archaeology and Earth Institute, University College of Dublin, Dublin 4, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Robin N M Feeney
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Cristina Cattaneo
- LabAnOF, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Ron Pinhasi
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14 1090, Wien, Austria.
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18
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Cavazzuti C, Bresadola B, d’Innocenzo C, Interlando S, Sperduti A. Towards a new osteometric method for sexing ancient cremated human remains. Analysis of Late Bronze Age and Iron Age samples from Italy with gendered grave goods. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0209423. [PMID: 30699127 PMCID: PMC6353077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex estimation of human remains is one of the most important research steps for physical anthropologists and archaeologists dealing with funerary contexts and trying to reconstruct the demographic structure of ancient societies. However, it is well known that in the case of cremations sex assessment might be complicated by the destructive/transformative effect of the fire on bones. Osteometric standards built on unburned human remains and contemporary cremated series are often inadequate for the analysis of ancient cremations, and frequently result in a significant number of misclassifications. This work is an attempt to overcome the scarcity of methods that could be applied to pre-proto-historic Italy and serve as methodological comparison for other European contexts. A set of 24 anatomical traits were measured on 124 Bronze Age and Iron Age cremated individuals with clearly engendered grave goods. Assuming gender largely correlated to sex, male and female distributions of each individual trait measured were compared to evaluate sexual dimorphism through inferential statistics and Chaktaborty and Majumder's index. The discriminatory power of each variable was evaluated by cross-validation tests. Eight variables yielded an accuracy equal to or greater than 80%. Four of these variables also show a similar degree of precision for both sexes. The most diagnostic measurements are from radius, patella, mandible, talus, femur, first metatarsal, lunate and humerus. Overall, the degree of sexual dimorphism and the reliability of estimates obtained from our series are similar to those of a modern cremated sample recorded by Gonçalves and collaborators. Nevertheless, mean values of the male and female distributions in our case study are lower, and the application of the cut-off point calculated from the modern sample to our ancient individuals produces a considerable number of misclassifications. This result confirms the need to build population-specific methods for sexing the cremated remains of ancient individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Cavazzuti
- Durham University, Department of Archaeology, Durham, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Chiara d’Innocenzo
- Università di Roma “La Sapienza”, Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Sperduti
- Museo delle Civiltà, Servizio di Bioarcheologia, Rome, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Napoli “L’Orientale”, Naples, Italy
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19
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Cavazzuti C, Skeates R, Millard AR, Nowell G, Peterkin J, Bernabò Brea M, Cardarelli A, Salzani L. Flows of people in villages and large centres in Bronze Age Italy through strontium and oxygen isotopes. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0209693. [PMID: 30625174 PMCID: PMC6326466 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates to what extent Bronze Age societies in Northern Italy were permeable accepting and integrating non-local individuals, as well as importing a wide range of raw materials, commodities, and ideas from networks spanning continental Europe and the Mediterranean. During the second millennium BC, the communities of Northern Italy engaged in a progressive stabilization of settlements, culminating in the large polities of the end of the Middle/beginning of the Late Bronze Age pivoted around large defended centres (the Terramare). Although a wide range of exotic archaeological materials indicates that the inhabitants of the Po plain increasingly took part in the networks of Continental European and the Eastern Mediterranean, we should not overlook the fact that the dynamics of interaction were also extremely active on local and regional levels. Mobility patterns have been explored for three key-sites, spanning the Early to Late Bronze Age (1900-1100 BC), namely Sant'Eurosia, Casinalbo and Fondo Paviani, through strontium and oxygen isotope analysis on a large sample size (more than 100 individuals). The results, integrated with osteological and archaeological data, document for the first time in this area that movements of people occurred mostly within a territorial radius of 50 km, but also that larger nodes in the settlement system (such as Fondo Paviani) included individuals from more distant areas. This suggests that, from a demographic perspective, the process towards a more complex socio-political system in Bronze Age Northern Italy was triggered by a largely, but not completely, internal process, stemming from the dynamics of intra-polity networks and local/regional power relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Cavazzuti
- Durham University, Department of Archaeology, Durham, United Kingdom
- Istituto Centrale per la Demoetnoantropologia, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Robin Skeates
- Durham University, Department of Archaeology, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R. Millard
- Durham University, Department of Archaeology, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey Nowell
- Durham University, Department of Earth Science, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne Peterkin
- Durham University, Department of Earth Science, Durham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrea Cardarelli
- Università di Roma, ‘La Sapienza’, Dipartimento di Scienze dell’Antichità, Rome, Italy
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20
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Grupe G, Klaut D, Mauder M, Kröger P, Lang A, Mayr C, Söllner F. Multi-isotope provenancing of archaeological skeletons including cremations in a reference area of the European Alps. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2018; 32:1711-1727. [PMID: 29949218 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Due to the spatial heterogeneity of stable isotope ratios of single elements measured in attempts to georeference bioarchaeological finds, multi-isotope fingerprints are frequently employed under the assumption that similar isotopic signatures are indicative of similar shared environments by the individuals studied. The extraction of the spatial information from multi-isotope datasets, however, is challenging. METHODS Gaussian mixture clustering of six- to seven-dimensional isotopic fingerprints measured in archaeological animal and human bones was performed. Uncremated animal bones served for an isotopic mapping of a specific reference area of eminent archaeological importance, namely the Inn-Eisack-Adige passage across the European Alps. The fingerprints consist of 87 Sr/86 Sr, 208 Pb/204 Pb, 207 Pb/204 Pb, 206 Pb/204 Pb, 208 Pb/207 Pb, and 206 Pb/207 Pb ratios, and δ18 Ophosphate values in uncremated bone apatite, while the thermally unstable δ18 O values of human cremations from this region were discarded. RESULTS The bone finds were successfully decontaminated. Animal and human isotope clusters not only reflect individual similarities in the multi-isotopic fingerprints, but also permit a spatial allocation of the finds. This holds also for cremated finds where the δ18 Ophosphate value is no longer informative. To our knowledge, for the first time Pb stable isotopes have been systematically studied in cremated skeletal remains and proved significant in a region that was sought after for its ore deposits in prehistory. CONCLUSIONS Gaussian mixture clustering is a promising method for the interpretation of multi-isotopic fingerprints aiming at detecting and quantifying migration and trade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Grupe
- Biozentrum, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
| | - Dominika Klaut
- Biozentrum, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
| | - Markus Mauder
- Lehrstuhl für Datenbanksysteme und Data Mining, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
| | - Peer Kröger
- Lehrstuhl für Datenbanksysteme und Data Mining, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
| | - Amei Lang
- Vor- und Frühgeschichtliche Archäologie und Provinzialrömische Archäologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
| | - Christoph Mayr
- Institut für Geographie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
- Department für Geo- und Umweltwissenschaften, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
| | - Frank Söllner
- Department für Geo- und Umweltwissenschaften, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
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21
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Snoeck C, Pouncett J, Claeys P, Goderis S, Mattielli N, Parker Pearson M, Willis C, Zazzo A, Lee-Thorp JA, Schulting RJ. Strontium isotope analysis on cremated human remains from Stonehenge support links with west Wales. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10790. [PMID: 30072719 PMCID: PMC6072783 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28969-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cremated human remains from Stonehenge provide direct evidence on the life of those few select individuals buried at this iconic Neolithic monument. The practice of cremation has, however, precluded the application of strontium isotope analysis of tooth enamel as the standard chemical approach to study their origin. New developments in strontium isotopic analysis of cremated bone reveal that at least 10 of the 25 cremated individuals analysed did not spend their lives on the Wessex chalk on which the monument is found. Combined with the archaeological evidence, we suggest that their most plausible origin lies in west Wales, the source of the bluestones erected in the early stage of the monument’s construction. These results emphasise the importance of inter-regional connections involving the movement of both materials and people in the construction and use of Stonehenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Snoeck
- School of Archaeology, University of Oxford, 1-2 South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3TG, UK. .,Analytical, Environmental & Geo-Chemistry, Dept. of Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, AMGC-WE-VUB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - John Pouncett
- School of Archaeology, University of Oxford, 1-2 South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3TG, UK
| | - Philippe Claeys
- Analytical, Environmental & Geo-Chemistry, Dept. of Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, AMGC-WE-VUB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven Goderis
- Analytical, Environmental & Geo-Chemistry, Dept. of Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, AMGC-WE-VUB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nadine Mattielli
- G-Time Laboratory, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 160/02, 50, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mike Parker Pearson
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-34 Gordon Square, WC1H 0PY, London, UK
| | - Christie Willis
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-34 Gordon Square, WC1H 0PY, London, UK
| | - Antoine Zazzo
- Unité Mixte de Recherche 7209 'Archéozoologie, Archéobotanique: Sociétés, Pratiques et Environnements', Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, CP 56, 55 rue Buffon, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Julia A Lee-Thorp
- School of Archaeology, University of Oxford, 1-2 South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3TG, UK
| | - Rick J Schulting
- School of Archaeology, University of Oxford, 1-2 South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3TG, UK
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22
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Comparing Ancient DNA Preservation in Petrous Bone and Tooth Cementum. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170940. [PMID: 28129388 PMCID: PMC5271384 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-scale genomic analyses of ancient human populations have become feasible partly due to refined sampling methods. The inner part of petrous bones and the cementum layer in teeth roots are currently recognized as the best substrates for such research. We present a comparative analysis of DNA preservation in these two substrates obtained from the same human skulls, across a range of different ages and preservation environments. Both substrates display significantly higher endogenous DNA content (average of 16.4% and 40.0% for teeth and petrous bones, respectively) than parietal skull bone (average of 2.2%). Despite sample-to-sample variation, petrous bone overall performs better than tooth cementum (p = 0.001). This difference, however, is driven largely by a cluster of viking skeletons from one particular locality, showing relatively poor molecular tooth preservation (<10% endogenous DNA). In the remaining skeletons there is no systematic difference between the two substrates. A crude preservation (good/bad) applied to each sample prior to DNA-extraction predicted the above/below 10% endogenous DNA threshold in 80% of the cases. Interestingly, we observe signficantly higher levels of cytosine to thymine deamination damage and lower proportions of mitochondrial/nuclear DNA in petrous bone compared to tooth cementum. Lastly, we show that petrous bones from ancient cremated individuals contain no measurable levels of authentic human DNA. Based on these findings we discuss the pros and cons of sampling the different elements.
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Snoeck C, Pouncett J, Ramsey G, Meighan IG, Mattielli N, Goderis S, Lee-Thorp JA, Schulting RJ. Mobility during the neolithic and bronze age in northern ireland explored using strontium isotope analysis of cremated human bone. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2016; 160:397-413. [PMID: 27061584 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As many individuals were cremated in Neolithic and Bronze Age Ireland, they have not featured in investigations of individual mobility using strontium isotope analysis. Here, we build on recent experiments demonstrating excellent preservation of biogenic (87) Sr/(86) Sr in calcined bone to explore mobility in prehistoric Northern Ireland. MATERIALS AND METHODS A novel method of strontium isotope analysis is applied to calcined bone alongside measurements on tooth enamel to human remains from five Neolithic and Bronze Age sites in Northern Ireland. We systematically sampled modern vegetation around each site to characterize biologically available strontium, and from this calculated expected values for humans consuming foods taken from within 1, 5, 10 and 20 Km catchments. This provides a more nuanced way of assessing human use of the landscape and mobility than the 'local' vs. 'non-local' dichotomy that is often employed. RESULTS The results of this study 1) provide further support for the reliability of strontium isotope analysis on calcined bone, and 2) demonstrate that it is possible to identify isotopic differences between individuals buried at the same site, with some consuming food grown locally (within 1-5 Km) while others clearly consumed food from up to 50 Km away from their burial place. DISCUSSION Hints of patterning emerge in spite of small sample numbers. At Ballynahatty, for instance, those represented by unburnt remains appear to have consumed food growing locally, while those represented by cremated remains did not. Furthermore, it appears that some individuals from Ballynahatty, Annaghmare and Clontygora either moved in the last few years of their life or their cremated remains were brought to the site. These results offer new insights into the choice behind coterminous cremation and inhumation rites in the Neolithic. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:397-413, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Snoeck
- Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford, Dyson Perrins Building, Oxford, OX1 3QY, UK.,Department of Chemistry, Research Unit: Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - John Pouncett
- Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford, Dyson Perrins Building, Oxford, OX1 3QY, UK.,The Institute of Archaeology, Beaumont Street, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 2PG, UK
| | - Greer Ramsey
- National Museums Northern Ireland, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, Holywood, BT18 0EU, UK
| | - Ian G Meighan
- Department of Geology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, East Kilbride, Glasgow, G75 0QF, UK.,Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, Dundonald House, Belfast, BT4 3SB, UK
| | - Nadine Mattielli
- Laboratoire G-Time, DGES, CP 160/02, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - Steven Goderis
- Department of Chemistry, Research Unit: Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - Julia A Lee-Thorp
- Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford, Dyson Perrins Building, Oxford, OX1 3QY, UK
| | - Rick J Schulting
- Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford, Dyson Perrins Building, Oxford, OX1 3QY, UK.,The Institute of Archaeology, Beaumont Street, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 2PG, UK
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Frei KM, Mannering U, Kristiansen K, Allentoft ME, Wilson AS, Skals I, Tridico S, Nosch ML, Willerslev E, Clarke L, Frei R. Tracing the dynamic life story of a Bronze Age Female. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10431. [PMID: 25994525 PMCID: PMC4440039 DOI: 10.1038/srep10431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ancient human mobility at the individual level is conventionally studied by the diverse application of suitable techniques (e.g. aDNA, radiogenic strontium isotopes, as well as oxygen and lead isotopes) to either hard and/or soft tissues. However, the limited preservation of coexisting hard and soft human tissues hampers the possibilities of investigating high-resolution diachronic mobility periods in the life of a single individual. Here, we present the results of a multidisciplinary study of an exceptionally well preserved circa 3.400-year old Danish Bronze Age female find, known as the Egtved Girl. We applied biomolecular, biochemical and geochemical analyses to reconstruct her mobility and diet. We demonstrate that she originated from a place outside present day Denmark (the island of Bornholm excluded), and that she travelled back and forth over large distances during the final months of her life, while consuming a terrestrial diet with intervals of reduced protein intake. We also provide evidence that all her garments were made of non-locally produced wool. Our study advocates the huge potential of combining biomolecular and biogeochemical provenance tracer analyses to hard and soft tissues of a single ancient individual for the reconstruction of high-resolution human mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Margarita Frei
- 1] National Museum of Denmark, Frederiksholms Kanal 12, DK-1220, Copenhagen K, Denmark [2] Danish National Research Foundation's Centre for Textile Research (CTR), SAXO Institute, University of Copenhagen, Amagerfaelledvej 56, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
| | - Ulla Mannering
- 1] National Museum of Denmark, Frederiksholms Kanal 12, DK-1220, Copenhagen K, Denmark [2] Danish National Research Foundation's Centre for Textile Research (CTR), SAXO Institute, University of Copenhagen, Amagerfaelledvej 56, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
| | - Kristian Kristiansen
- Institute for Historical Studies, University of Gothenburg, Box 200, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Morten E Allentoft
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, Copenhagen 1350, Denmark
| | - Andrew S Wilson
- School of Archaeological Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1DP, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Skals
- National Museum of Denmark, Frederiksholms Kanal 12, DK-1220, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Silvana Tridico
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Marie Louise Nosch
- Danish National Research Foundation's Centre for Textile Research (CTR), SAXO Institute, University of Copenhagen, Amagerfaelledvej 56, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
| | - Eske Willerslev
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, Copenhagen 1350, Denmark
| | - Leon Clarke
- School of Science and the Environment, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Frei
- 1] Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, Copenhagen 1350, Denmark [2] Nordic Centre for Earth Evolution (NordCEE), University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, Copenhagen 1350, Denmark
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Snoeck C, Lee-Thorp J, Schulting R, de Jong J, Debouge W, Mattielli N. Calcined bone provides a reliable substrate for strontium isotope ratios as shown by an enrichment experiment. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2015; 29:107-114. [PMID: 25462370 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Strontium isotopes ((87) Sr/(86) Sr) are used in archaeological and forensic science as markers of residence or mobility because they reflect the local geological substrate. Currently, tooth enamel is considered to be the most reliable tissue, but it rarely survives heating so that in cremations only calcined bone fragments survive. We set out to test the proposition that calcined bone might prove resistant to diagenesis, given its relatively high crystallinity, as the ability to measure in vivo (87) Sr/(86) Sr from calcined bone would greatly extend application to places and periods in which cremation was the dominant mortuary practice, or where unburned bone and enamel do not survive. METHODS Tooth enamel and calcined bone samples were exposed to a (87) Sr-spiked solution for up to 1 year. Samples were removed after various intervals, and attempts were made to remove the contamination using acetic acid washes and ultrasonication. (87) Sr/(86) Sr was measured before and after pre-treatment on a Nu Plasma multi-collector induced coupled plasma mass spectrometer using NBS987 as a standard. RESULTS The strontium isotopic ratios of all samples immersed in the spiked solution were strongly modified showing that significant amounts of strontium had been adsorbed or incorporated. After pre-treatment the enamel samples still contained significant amounts of (87) Sr-enriched contamination while the calcined bone fragments did not. CONCLUSIONS The results of the artificial enrichment experiment demonstrate that calcined bone is more resistant to post-mortem exchange than tooth enamel, and that in vivo strontium isotopic ratios are retained in calcined bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Snoeck
- Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford, Dyson Perrins Building, South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3QY, UK
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