Applying isotope analyses of cremated human bones in archaeological research – a review.

• Authors: Wolska bOGUMIŁA
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

Numerous experiments have recently been conducted on burnt bones in order to develop methods of isotope analysis which would be useful in archaeological research. Since the results of these studies are not yet widely known, this review presents their potential applications in investigations of human remains from cremation burials. Radiocarbon dating of burnt osteological materials is discussed, including problems related to the “old wood effect”. Also considered is the analysis of light stable isotopes, i.e. δ13C, δ15N and δ18O, which is unsuitable for palaeodietary determinations, but useful as a source of information about certain parameters of funeral pyres. Tracing geographical origins and human mobility is possible by means of the analysis of strontium isotope ratio 87Sr/86Sr. Since an understanding of high-temperature-induced transformations of bone structure and chemical composition is important for these considerations, a detailed account of the processes is given as an introduction

Keywords

EN

isotopes, cremated human bones, radiocarbon dating, funerary practices, migration

• Publisher: Institute of Archaeology Rzeszów University, Fundacja Rzeszowskiego Ośrodka Archeologicznego
• Journal: Analecta Archaeologica Ressoviensia
• Year: 2020
• Volume: 15
• Pages: 7–16

Dates

published

2020

Contributors

author

Wolska bOGUMIŁA

• Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Solidarności 105, 00-140 Warszawa

Identifiers

DOI

DOI: 10.15584/anarres.2020.15.1