Reconstructing post-marital residence with strontium isotopes in the Later Stone Age in northern Malawi

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• Stanley H. Ambrose, University of Illinois
• Friday 13 October 2023, 13:15-14:00
• McDonald Institute Seminar Room, Department of Archaeology.

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Abstract:

Advances in understanding of female skeletal reproductive biology and physiology can contribute to more realistic reconstructions of post-marital residence (PMR) patterns with strontium isotopes of tooth enamel. Clinical research on lead isotopes shows that in teeth formed prior to weaning, up to half the lead is derived from the maternal skeleton. If similar amounts of strontium are transferred, then pre-weaning teeth (e.g., M1 and M2) may combine the strontium isotopic composition of the area where the maternal skeleton was formed plus the maternal diet in the area occupied during lactation. Only post-weaning enamel (e.g., M3) may reflect the isotopic composition of an individual’s post-weaning to sub-adult home range. Assuming childbearing begins in the PM home range, then analysis of pre- and post-weaning enamel should reveal whether an individual’s mother was born locally (matrilocal PMR ) or moved to a new location before reproduction (patrilocal or neolocal PMR ). Analysis of M1, M2 and M3 of two individuals buried in a rockshelter on Mt. Hora, Malawi, located in the center of our strontium isoscape survey area, suggest patrilocal or neolocal PMR for these individuals.

Co-Hosts: Pitt-Rivers Archaeological Science & African Archaeology

This talk is part of the PalMeso Seminar Series series.

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