A multi-scalar reassessment of dietary isotopic variability in bioarchaeology: Differentiating secular and inter-individual variation

Greenwald, Alexandra M.; Burns, Gregory R.; Eerkens, Jelmer W.; Bartelink, Eric J.

doi:10.1016/j.jas.2022.105592

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

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“…It also involves utilizing strong statistical analyses that maximize EC information to answer questions about ancient peoples while also not violating assumptions of statistical independence for multiple data points by individual. We describe these as design and scalar issues, which can be found in other osteoarcheological studies not just activity patterns (e.g., Becker, 2013, 2019; Gagnon, 2004; Gagnon & Wiesen, 2013; Greenwald et al, 2022; Nikita, 2014). Though, specifically in activity pattern studies, using one or two EC produces a scalar and design issue because that is not enough information to answer overall questions about past populations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Designing databases and using generalized estimating equations for entheseal datasets: An example from the Tiwanaku culture (AD 500–1100)

Becker

Stull

Chu

2023

Intl J of Osteoarchaeology

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Studying entheseal changes (EC) in human skeletal remains involves questions surrounding how researchers should collect, process, and evaluate these data as there are no set standards. Osteoarcheological research should also be able to answer population-level queries using entheses, such as if group A was moving their body in different ways from group B? Or are there age-related tasks or gendered labors?However, not all entheseal data can be easily evaluated in this fashion. If researchers select one area of the body, they may not be able to discuss population-level differences. In addition, if data are evaluated by each muscle attachment area throughout a body, the results can be overwhelming. Further, grouping EC may produce problems with statistical assumptions of independence. To address these design and scalar issues, we discuss proper database construction, including the importance for consistent data collection strategies and in anchoring individuals under a specimen number. We also show how generalized estimating equations (GEE) can address how individual-level scores can be collected and population-level research questions can be answered with entheseal marker data processed in SAS 9.4 or the free alternative, R. We utilize a sample of over 1200 adults from the Tiwanaku culture (AD 500-1100) of Bolivia and Peru. We demonstrate evaluating significant overall differences while also pinpointing specific EC by sex or by age at death to discuss various ways in which bodies moved in the past.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Designing databases and using generalized estimating equations for entheseal datasets: An example from the Tiwanaku culture (AD 500–1100)

Becker

Stull

Chu

2023

Intl J of Osteoarchaeology

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“…Stable isotope analyses in close integration with other aspects of forensic and archaeological research can provide better insights about the dietary status, geolocation, mobility and provenancing of unknown human remains retried from forensic or bio-archaeological contexts. 5,8,13,14 Present study is focussed on estimating geolocation and dietary affinity of Ajnala skeleton from their stable isotope analysis. For objective interpretations of stable isotope data, essential geographical data for the region under investigation is direly needed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Isotopic profiles can provide life history information (like geographical mobility patterns, subsistence strategies and dietary practices) about an unidentified decedent. 14,23,24 Dental tissues (enamel, dentin and pulpal tissue) act as the long-term source for the isotopic records due to the presence of bio-mineral and proteins in the teeth. The non-remodelling tendency of dental tissues makes it a conclusive source for determining the dietary habits associated with the early childhood and adolescence of an individual.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) isotope ratios reveal geographic affinity and dietary status of Ajnala skeletal remains: A forensic anthropological study

Sehrawat

Rai²

2023

Med Sci Law

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Stable isotope analysis from bones and teeth has been widely used to estimate the likely geographic locations and dietary status of individuals whose osseous remains have been retrieved from some forensic or bio-archaeological contexts. The carbon and nitrogen stable isotope signatures can provide insights into geographic affinity and dietary habits. Ajnala skeletal remains represent a serious crime against humanity committed in past by colonial rulers and by amateur archaeologists of modern times. In present study, isotopic concentrations of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) estimated from 21 mandibular molars have been used to estimate the local or non-local status of badly damaged skeletal remains retrieved from an abandoned well at Ajnala (India). The collagen samples having C/N ratio within range of 2.8–3.6 were considered as well-preserved and non-contaminated ones. The isotope concentrations of carbon and nitrogen varied from −18.7‰ to −22.9‰ and +7.6‰ to +11.7‰, with an average of −20.49 ± 1.2‰ and +9.31 ± 1.1‰, respectively. The analysis of the obtained isotope values reflected the consumption of C3/C4 mixed diet by majority of the individuals, and such type of dietary habits are mainly restricted to the reported Indo-Gangatic plain of India to which slain soldiers reportedly belonged to. These observations corroborated the previous observations about the geographic affinity and dietary status of Ajnala individuals. Though C and N isotopes are by and large not the confirmed/direct indicators of geographic origin, they can provide corroboratory information to support other observations narrowing down the dietary habits of individuals of certain specific geographical regions.

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Resolving the complex mixing history of ancient Chinese bronzes by Manifold Learning and a Bayesian Mixing Model

Sun

Liu

Zhang

et al. 2023

Journal of Archaeological Science

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A multi-scalar reassessment of dietary isotopic variability in bioarchaeology: Differentiating secular and inter-individual variation

Cited by 3 publications

References 41 publications

Designing databases and using generalized estimating equations for entheseal datasets: An example from the Tiwanaku culture (AD 500–1100)

Designing databases and using generalized estimating equations for entheseal datasets: An example from the Tiwanaku culture (AD 500–1100)

Carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) isotope ratios reveal geographic affinity and dietary status of Ajnala skeletal remains: A forensic anthropological study

Resolving the complex mixing history of ancient Chinese bronzes by Manifold Learning and a Bayesian Mixing Model

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A multi-scalar reassessment of dietary isotopic variability in bioarchaeology: Differentiating secular and inter-individual variation

Cited by 3 publications

References 41 publications

Designing databases and using generalized estimating equations for entheseal datasets: An example from the Tiwanaku culture (AD 500–1100)

Designing databases and using generalized estimating equations for entheseal datasets: An example from the Tiwanaku culture (AD 500–1100)

Carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope ratios reveal geographic affinity and dietary status of Ajnala skeletal remains: A forensic anthropological study

Resolving the complex mixing history of ancient Chinese bronzes by Manifold Learning and a Bayesian Mixing Model

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Carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) isotope ratios reveal geographic affinity and dietary status of Ajnala skeletal remains: A forensic anthropological study