Acta Anthropologica Sinica ›› 2024, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (03): 405-414.doi: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2023.0064

• Research Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

C and N stable isotopes of human remains from the Xiazhai site of Xichuan, Henan Province

ZHOU Ligang1(), CAO Yanpeng1, CHU Xiaolong2, SUN Lei1   

  1. 1. Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, Zhengzhou 450000
    2. Henan Provincial Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage Conservation, Zhengzhou 450000
  • Received:2023-04-14 Revised:2023-06-29 Online:2024-06-15 Published:2024-06-04

Abstract:

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of human remains from the Xiazhai site revealed dietary features of pre-history populations dated to different periods. The Late-Yangshao individuals (δ13C=-10.2±1.4‰, δ15N=9.4±0.5‰, n=19) ate a millet-based diet similar to that of the contemporary people on the Central Plains. On the same site, the Shijiahe people (δ13C=-13.6±2.1‰, δ15N=9.5±0.9‰, n=28) ate both millet and rice, and their dietary features displayed evident variation because of the different nitrogen isotopic features between rice and dry crops. Millet played the role of main staple food again during the Late-Longshan and Erlitou period (mean δ13C=-9.9±1.2‰, n=21). These results indicate that cultural transition had significantly affected the local agricultural system and human diet. The changing roles of millet and rice also reflect the alternating influences from the Yellow River culture and the Yangtze River culture.

Key words: Xichuan Xiazhai, Yangshao, Shijiahe, Longshan, stable isotope analysis

CLC Number: