Multi‐isotope analysis of primary and secondary dentin as a mean to broaden intra‐life dietary reconstruction. A case from Longobard Italy

This exploratory study proposes an original intra‐life history investigation through sequential analysis of the isotopic composition of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur (CNS) on both primary and secondary dentin of a tooth (M1). We focus on an elderly woman from Longobard Italy (6th to 8th c. CE), who s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of osteoarchaeology 2023-03, Vol.33 (2), p.355-360
Main Authors: Bernardini, Sara, Zeppilli, Carlotta, Micarelli, Ileana, Goude, Gwenaëlle, Sayle, Kerry L., Manzi, Giorgio, Tafuri, Mary Anne
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Archaeology
Archaeology and Prehistory
Biological anthropology
carbon
Dentin
Diet
Forensic odontology
Humanities and Social Sciences
isobiography
Isotopes
nitrogen
postclassical antiquity
stable isotopes analysis
sulfur
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Summary:This exploratory study proposes an original intra‐life history investigation through sequential analysis of the isotopic composition of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur (CNS) on both primary and secondary dentin of a tooth (M1). We focus on an elderly woman from Longobard Italy (6th to 8th c. CE), who showed an unprecedented case of cranial surgery, presented in a companion paper by Micarelli and colleagues. Sequential stable CNS isotope composition of first molar dentin collagen allows us to infer diet, mobility, health, and physiological stress between approximately 3 months after birth to 9.5 years old (primary dentin) and between early adulthood until death (secondary dentin). Isotopic results on primary dentin highlight the following: (i) a long weaning period (ending at approximately 4 years), followed by (ii) a specific diet, including the contribution of C4 crops in early childhood (approximately 5.5 years), possibly concomitant with mobility. While secondary dentin shows a generally homogeneous diet during adulthood, the longitudinal analysis provided information on specific stresses that likely occurred in periods of difficult health conditions. This work emphasizes the importance of measuring complete dentin sequences (including secondary when present) for isotopic analysis to broaden intra‐life histories in ancient populations.
ISSN:1047-482X
1099-1212
DOI:10.1002/oa.3200