Stable carbon isotope analysis of human bone collagen from Fidler Mounds, Manitoba: an investigation of maize consumption
Date
1993
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Abstract
The importance of maize consumption in Late Woodland southern Manitoba is examined using stable carbon isotope analysis. Archaeological and ethnographic evidence suggest that maize was grown or imported during this period, but give no indication of its dietary importance. Such information can be provided by 613C analysis of human bone collagen from burials of the period.
Modem wild plants, archaeological mammals and fish from Lockport, and human burials from Fidler Mounds are assayed. The 613C values of the human sample (-19.2 ± 1.5°/oo, n = 28) do not support significant maize consumption in most individuals, although four (613C =
-17.7°/oo to -14.00/oo) show tentative evidence for this. 613C values of women from the site are
significantly less negative and more dispersed than male values (females: -17.6 ± 2.2°/oo, Males: -19.6 ± 0.6°/oo). This is argued to be the result of intermarriage of a local group with another people consuming a 13C-depleted diet, with incoming females retaining the isotopic signature of their place of origin.
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Bibliography: p. 142-161.
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Citation
Garvie, S. J. (1993). Stable carbon isotope analysis of human bone collagen from Fidler Mounds, Manitoba: an investigation of maize consumption (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/17560