Reconstructing neolithic groups in Sarawak, Malaysia through lead and strontium isotope analysis.Heavy stable isotope stable isotope n. An isotope of an element that shows no tendency to undergo radioactive breakdown. analysis of mid-late Holocene Neolithic burials from Sarawak (Malaysia) identifies groups not apparent in mortuary treatment or inferred subsistence. Isotope ratios of strontium strontium (strŏn`shēəm) [from Strontian, a Scottish town], a metallic chemical element; symbol Sr; at. no. 38; at. wt. 87.62; m.p. 769°C;; b.p. 1,384°C;; sp. gr. 2.6 at 20°C;; valence +2. and lead from adult tooth enamel show distinct groups at Niah Cave's West Mouth organized by dietary catchment catch·ment n. 1. A catching or collecting of water, especially rainwater. 2. a. A structure, such as a basin or reservoir, used for collecting or draining water. b. . Two roughly contemporary sites, Gua Sireh and Lobang Angin, are included to assess regional heterogeneity het·er·o·ge·ne·i·ty n. The quality or state of being heterogeneous. heterogeneity the state of being heterogeneous. in northern Borneo. Heavy stable isotope ratios for humans differ from sampled modern plants and archaeological fauna from West Mouth, and suggest a non-local origin for some of the West Mouth human remains. Distinct heavy isotope ratios characterize all three sites and show regional differentiation broadly consistent with geological expectations. Results supplement paleodiet and morphological analyses and have implications for clarifying Niah Cave mortuary use during the mid-late Holocene. Further and more precise geographic placement will follow through additional landscape sampling for strontium and lead isotope values. Journal of Archaeological Science Archaeological science (also known as Archaeometry) is the application of scientific techniques and methodologies to archaeology. Archaeological science can be divided into the following areas: |
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