Acta Anthropologica Sinica ›› 2010, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (03): 270-275.

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Paleodietary studies using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes from human bone: an example from the Miaozigou site, Qahar Youyi Qianqi,Inner Mongolia

ZHANG Quan-chao; Jacqueline T.ENG; WEI Jian; ZHU Hong   

  • Online:2010-09-15 Published:2010-09-15

Abstract: The Miaozigou site a very important Neolithic cultural site is located on the southern hillside of Miaozigou village, Uraharura township, Qahar Youyi Qianqi, Inner Mongolia. In this study, we examine Miaozigou human paleodiet using stable isotopic ratios of carbon and nitrogen in bone collagen. Nitrogen isotopic ratios show that the ancient inhabitants of Miaozigou ate both animal and plant products. Carbon isotope ratios show that most plant products came from C4 plants. It is significant to note that the economy of the Miaozigou site is mainly agriculture with a considerable component of hunting and animal breeding.

Key words: Neolithic; Miaozigou; Stable carbon isotopes; Stable nitrogen isotopes; Paleodiet