Growing Up in the Cis-Baikal Region of Siberia, Russia: Reconstructing Childhood Diet of Middle Holocene Hunter-Gatherers

Growing Up in the Cis-Baikal Region of Siberia, Russia examines the dietary life histories of prehistoric hunter-gatherers from six cemeteries in the Lake Baikal region of Siberia, Russia, using dentine micro-sampling to reveal the chemical markers of different foods. The results show that the dietary contribution of terrestrial and aquatic food sources varied within and between cemeteries and cultural periods, and that the movement of these individuals around the Lake Baikal region is observable in the chemical markers from their teeth.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2023
Publisher: Archaeopress

Growing Up in the Cis-Baikal Region of Siberia, Russia, delves into the dietary life histories of prehistoric hunter-gatherers from six cemeteries in the Lake Baikal region of Siberia, Russia. The primary objective was to gain a deeper understanding of their way of life by examining their food consumption, landscape utilization, and changes over time.

Recent archaeological advancements have opened up novel avenues for gaining insights into the lives of individuals who passed away many years ago. By employing biochemistry, archaeologists can analyze an individual's dietary choices from birth to their final months, providing a more comprehensive picture of how people lived, the challenges they encountered, and the decisions they made. This study employs a technique known as dentine micro-sampling, which involves sectioning the inner part of a tooth into thin strips, each representing approximately nine months of development. These strips undergo stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis, revealing the chemical markers of various foods.

The results indicate that the dietary contributions of terrestrial and aquatic food sources varied within and between cemeteries and cultural periods, suggesting dietary independence among groups occupying the same area. Furthermore, the chemical markers from these individuals' teeth reveal observable movement around the Lake Baikal region, complementing other methods in understanding the interplay between personal choice and ecological constraints that shaped their dietary behavior.

In conclusion, Growing Up in the Cis-Baikal Region of Siberia, Russia, through the application of dentine micro-sampling and other techniques, sheds light on the dietary life histories of prehistoric hunter-gatherers in the Lake Baikal region. The study provides valuable insights into their way of life, challenges, and choices, contributing to our understanding of prehistoric societies and their interactions with their environments.

Weight: 662g
Dimension: 174 x 246 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803274935