Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences最新文献

For the past 50 years, copper sourced from the Akjoujt region has been inferred primarily through the enrichment of arsenic in metal samples from archaeological sites in West Africa. However, arsenic is common to a variety of mineral deposit types and this signature was based on early low-resolution spectroscopic data. Here, we apply lead isotopic and bulk chemical analyses to copper metal and ore samples from the region of Akjoujt, in order to interrogate this signature and contribute more precise data. Our results confirm that arsenic is indeed a significantly enriched element for copper produced around at Akjoujt, but we broaden its chemical signature to include enrichment in Sn, Ni, and Co, and depletion in other chalcophile elements, but particularly depletion in Pb. Isotopically, we demonstrate that hydrothermal mineralization at Akjoujt included uranium and thorium, and produced a characteristic radiogenic lead isotopic signature dating to the late Archaean/early Proterozoic periods, in alignment with new U-Pb dating for Akjoujt. Using this signature, we analyze copper from new excavations at the Walaldé site in Senegal, which has previously been suggested as a destination for copper from Akjoujt. We show that the copper for six objects associated with a burial excavated in 2016 originates from across the Sahara and likely dates to the 1st millennium CE, as does one previously analyzed copper sample from Walaldé. We also identify three previously analyzed copper objects from the 1999 excavations at Walaldé which likely originate from Akjoujt and date to the later first millennium BCE.

The development of the Atlantic fish trade marked a major shift in European diets during the Medieval and modern periods. Although this trade is well documented in historical and archaeological records, its impact on consumption patterns remains poorly understood, particularly in the western Mediterranean, where ichthyoarchaeological studies are limited. This study reconstructs the trade and consumption of two key Atlantic species (European hake and Atlantic cod) in the northeast Iberian Peninsula, drawing on archaeological, historical and biomolecular evidence. Our results show that preserved Atlantic fish was consumed across different social contexts, with consumption patterns largely determined by fish size rather than provenance or species. We argue that size preferences influenced dietary choices since the earliest stages of Atlantic trade in the region, providing a new perspective on the impact of long-distance trade in reshaping past Mediterranean foodways.

This study presents a comprehensive characterization of a unique nonhuman primate mummy from the Americas, housed in the Museum of Archaeology at the Castle of Gottorf, Germany. In contrast to the previously reported primate mummies from archaeological sites in arid areas (northern Chile and Egypt), this specimen originates from a subtropical region, the Gran Chaco. Through molecular analysis, the mummy is identified as a black-and-gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya), a primate species widely distributed in southern South America. The genetic assignment places the mummy in the northeastern region of Argentina. Externally, the mummy is well preserved. Dental morphometrics suggest that the primate is a young adult individual. An isotopic analysis indicates a non-anthropogenic folivorous diet and its geographic location in the biome of the Paraná River Basin. Thus, the monkey used to create this mummy was likely hunted or reared for a short period. Radiocarbon dating places the mummy between the late pre-Hispanic and early Colonial times. The mummy was created using a drying process and is accompanied by attire composed of Indigenous textiles, as well as feathers from American rhea and white herons. The mummy may have had a possible ceremonial purpose, as supported by ethnoprimatological evidence, such as the totemic qualities attributed to black-and-gold howler monkeys by current Indigenous societies of the Gran Chaco. The multidisciplinary approach employed in this study, which combines molecular, morphological, chronological, isotopic, historical/archival, and ethnoprimatological contextual data, provides novel insights into the treatment and significance of primate remains in the South American past.

The study of human populations based on STR genetic markers, provides information about its structure, growth, size, and age, as well as its connection with other populations. In the analysis of ancient populations, preference is given to SNP markers, while STR markers are rarely used, primarily due to their poor efficiency in the analysis of fragmented DNA. In our study, we successfully used STR markers to analyze the genetic diversity of the population, demonstrating the success of their application in studying the genetic structure of the medieval Bosnian population. Skeletal remains of 112 samples were collected from medieval period. Total of 22 autosomal STRs were applied. We used different statistical tests such as θ, Gst, AMOVA, population differentiation test based on exact p-values and FCA. For 106 archeological skeletal remains, analyses of heterogeneity and intergroup variability were performed. No significant genetic differentiation between the two populations was noticed. Obtained results indicates that these two populations actually represent one gene pool, despite various historical events that occurred in past 700 years. In conclusion, due to the absence of genetic differentiation between the two analyzed populations, no major genetic distinction can be observed between contemporary B&H population and the medieval Bosnian population.

The manufacturing technology and shifts in the sources of metals used in bronze production may reflect the impact of political and social transformations on metallurgical practices. In the late Spring and Autumn period, the “Tripartition of Jin by Han, Zhao, and Wei” altered the internal political structure of the Jin state. The power of the Jin king declined, and the territory under his direct control shrank, with only two cities-Jiang (Houma in present day) and Quwo (Qiujiazhuang in present day)-remaining. This study presents the metallographic and elemental results as well as lead isotope ratios of a total of 41 samples from 27 bronzes excavated from Qiujiazhuang cemetery, dating to the late Jin state (c. 6th -4th centuries BCE). The results suggest that the bronzes from the late Jin state inherited the Jin-style bronze manufacturing tradition, with most of the bronzes from Qiujiazhuang being as-cast, and some being forged. The craftsmen understood the effects of alloy properties on manufacturing processes and skillfully produced forged, thin-walled vessels with low lead content. Engraving, inlaying and gilding were applied for surface decoration. Lead isotope analysis reveals the diachronic changes in metal circulation networks of the Jin state during the Eastern Zhou period. In the late Jin period, the lead sources for bronzes shifted from the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in the mid-Spring and Autumn period to the Xiaoqinling region. The copper may have been from the Zhongtiao Mountain region within Jin’s controlled territory. This study provides a new perspective on how political changes and diplomatic relations influenced bronze manufacturing technology and metal source supply.

This paper examines the residential history of a Neolithic individual through strontium, oxygen, and carbon isotopic analysis. Buried in Tomb A at Fontaine-le-Puits (Savoie, France), this individual dates to the transition between the Middle and Late Neolithic periods. The individual was afforded an atypical funerary ritual within the local context, characterized by the use of an individual grave and the deposition of numerous objects, many of which were of distant origin, including prestige goods. These observations raise questions about the origin and life history of this particularly valued individual, who represents a singularity in the current state of knowledge about local Neolithic occupations. To investigate this individual’s mobility, we established a local isotopic reference framework using two types of reference sample. Since no fauna was found at the site, we included fauna from a nearby, partially contemporary archaeological site and supplemented it with current local fauna. The remains of this individual - a partially preserved adult - allowed us to sample three specific periods of life. We analysed two dental fragments and one bone fragment: enamel from a lower first molar (representing 6 months to 1,5 years), enamel from a second lower molar (representing 4 to 8 years), and a bone fragment (representing the last years of life). The isotopic analysis reveals no values indicative of an environment distinct from the one in which the remains were discovered. This suggests that the individual likely spent both the early and final years of life in an environment similar to that where he/she was buried.

Cobalt is able to provide glass a deep shade of blue, which has been known and used since antiquity. Only in the 16^th century CE, Co-coloured glass started to be used as a painting pigment smalt, which required development of new procedures. These were interconnected with changes in Co extraction and establishment of glassworks and pigment mills in the Ore Mts. on the Czech-German border. In this study, a variety of samples (archaeological glass, glass melts/slag from the Ore Mts. as well as micro-samples of painted artworks) were studied by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to trace the occurring changes in elemental composition. Three elemental associations related to cobalt were detected. First, Co-Zn-Pb-In was identified in a unique sample of glass slag found in proximity of Schneeberg silverworks, Germany, strongly supporting the previously suggested theory about usage of silver smelting slags with cobalt to colour glass. The frequently mentioned mediaeval source of this association, Freiberg, Germany, is disputed due to its low Co content in the originally extracted parts. Instead, Přísečnice (Pressnitz), Czechia, is suggested. Second, Co-Ni association (together with Mn) was identified in samples from Soví Huť (Eulenhütte), Czechia, where the actual smalt painting pigment production started; employment of a variety of locally available slags is proposed. Finally, Co-As-Ni-Bi association was related to the already established pigment smalt production thanks to targeted extraction of Co arsenides, and as such may support the dating of painted artworks.

This paper presents the results of a functional analysis of a relatively underexplored category of bone tools – primarily made from animal ribs – discovered within Bronze Age copper mining contexts. The study examines 30 bone artefacts associated with copper ore extraction from the Great Orme mines in North Wales, UK. Comparisons are made with rib tools from the well-studied bone tools collection from the Kartamysh mines in eastern Ukraine. Functional evidence enables the reconstruction of tool kinematics and offers new interpretations regarding how the tools were used. Experimental research at the Kartamysh mines has previously identified a distinct class of bone tools used for stirring and sweeping copper ore particles during wet beneficiation. Here, the functions of similar artefacts from the Great Orme mines are explored. A brief review of other ore-processing sites employing wet beneficiation is also presented. Findings from both sites suggest variability in how ancient miners utilized rib tools for extraction and ore processing activities. However, the Great Orme collection requires further detailed examination and additional experimental research.

Burial patterns of ancient communities based on the analysis of human remains are difficult to define. In this regard, the existence of a sex bias in megalithic tombs of western Europe remains unclear. Sex estimation using standard osteological methodologies based on dimorphic features is a complex task in commingled and fragmentary human skeletal assemblages, as those found in megalithic burials usually are. Fortunately, advances in molecular archaeological research have made it possible to accurately estimate karyotypic sex. In this work, karyotypic sex is estimated from 85 individuals of all age groups from the megalithic burials of La Lora region (Burgos, Spain) through amelogenin peptides from dental enamel to compare with and extend osteological sex estimations and to calculate sex ratios in these assemblages. The results suggest an overall over-representation of males, in agreement with previous osteological data, despite inter-site variability. Some diachronic variations in the sex ratio have also been detected, which may nuance the trend. Specifically, an increase in the ratio of males at the end of the 4th millennium cal. BC, which may be linked to diachronic changes related to social organisation. The results also suggest that sex-related selective burial in non-adult groups would be less restrictive, as more juvenile females were identified, which could point towards patterns of adult female exogamy.

Excavations, on-going since 1979, in the elite Predynastic cemetery HK6 at Hierakonpolis, Upper Egypt, have revealed the burials of more than 150 domestic and wild animals. These animals, buried whole, were interred in subsidiary graves surrounding the elaborate tombs of the highest elite, who were local or possibly regional rulers in the Naqada IC-IIB period (c. 3700-3500 BC). Among the wild fauna are elephants and baboons, species that were not part of Egypt’s native fauna during the Holocene and must have been obtained from elsewhere. Here we discuss all the finds of baboons made so far. These include 20 individuals, constituting the earliest evidence for the occurrence of these primates in Egypt. Conflicting species identification in previous publications (first as Papio hamadryas and later as Papio anubis) led us to re-evaluate the diagnostic features described to differentiate them by examining a large series of modern skulls from natural history collections. Using the criteria that we found to be valid, we show that both P. hamadryas and P. anubis were present at Hierakonpolis. At least six graves contained baboons, which were buried either in groups of up to 8 individuals or as single interments. These graves can be associated with five of the mortuary complexes identified so far, covering a time span of several generations. Rachitis, observed in one very young animal is the only evidence so far for metabolic disorders that might be related to local breeding. This suggests that the baboons were not routinely bred on site and may have been imported on several occasions into Hierakonpolis, indicating more complex trade interactions with the lands to the far south than previously assumed.