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Stable isotope analysis of prehistoric populations from the cemeteries of the Middle and Lower Dnieper Basin, Ukraine

Lillie, Malcolm; Budd, Chelsea; Potekhina, Inna

Authors

Malcolm Lillie

Chelsea Budd

Inna Potekhina



Abstract

This paper presents the results of new stable isotopes (carbon and nitrogen) analysis of human, faunal and fish remains from thirteen cemeteries from the Middle and Lower Dnieper Basin, Ukraine. The results are integrated with earlier analyses, undertaken solely on human samples, in order to provide a comprehensive overview of subsistence across the Upper Palaeolithic through to Eneolithic periods in this region. This is the first time that a combined sample of human, faunal and fish remains has been studied in order to interpret subsistence strategies across these periods in Ukraine. The total dataset comprises 113 samples of human, faunal and fish remains, 59 of which include new analyses of faunal and fish remains that have not previously been made available for study (Table 1). The analysis of the faunal and fish remains allows for a consideration of trophic levels which indicates that the consumption of freshwater fish occurs from the Epipalaeolithic period onwards. Whilst the majority of the cemeteries and the individuals therein cluster in relatively tight groups, there is a significant offset between the human and faunal samples due to the consumption of freshwater resources. The fish samples analysed in the study appear to exhibit a relatively random distribution when compared to the other samples analysed. In general, freshwater resources remain significant through until the end of the Neolithic period and into the Eneolithic period at the sites investigated.

Citation

Lillie, M., Budd, C., & Potekhina, I. (2011). Stable isotope analysis of prehistoric populations from the cemeteries of the Middle and Lower Dnieper Basin, Ukraine. Journal of archaeological science, 38(1), 57-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2010.08.010

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 9, 2010
Online Publication Date Aug 14, 2010
Publication Date 2011-01
Deposit Date Nov 13, 2014
Journal Journal Of Archaeological Science
Print ISSN 0305-4403
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 38
Issue 1
Pages 57-68
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2010.08.010
Keywords Ukraine; Stable isotope analysis; delta C-13 and delta N-15; Prehistoric cemeteries and sites; Human bone; Faunal remains; Fish bone
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/465528
Publisher URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305440310002852
Contract Date Nov 13, 2014