Abstract:

In this study, based on the human teeth yielded from Shengjindian cemetery, the buccal surfaces of 13 molars were observed under different magnifications with hyper-filed 3D electron microscope. The statistics and comparative analysis on the scratches and pits of the molar buccal surfaces in terms of the gender and age suggested that the older individuals and male ingested a higher proportion of plant food and female tend to ingested less meat with age increasing. In addition, there was no significant difference in dietary composition between male and female. It could be inferred from the comparative analysis of L_h/L_v among the different populations(Shengjindian people, modern humans and other Chinese ancient populations) and the characteristics of the funerary objects that the main subsistence pattern of the population of Shengjindian was nomadic herding and the animal products was the dominant food in their daily dietary. Meanwhile, there also existed some proportion of agriculture.

Key words: Shengjindian Cemetery, Dental Microwear, Electron Microscope, Dietary Studies