Animal stable isotope data from Dzhetyasar and Oguz culture sites of the lower Syr Darya in Kazakhstan

Abstract

This paper presents animal (n = 60) and human (n = 1) bone collagen carbon and nitrogen stable isotope data from the previously not studied Dzhetyasar culture, as well as from new sites associated with the Oguz period located in the lower Syr Darya River of Kazakhstan. Radiocarbon dating indicated that the studied contexts from sites Sortobe 1 (882–1007 CE) and Sortobe 2 (AD 1040-1272) can be linked to the Oguz civilization, while Shirkeily Kos-Asar (255–416 CE) can be affiliated with Dzhetyasar culture. Dune site Saryshoky (1015–1159 CE; 1652 CE-…) had several episodes of use. Statistical comparisons of the new and published data showed that there were differences in animal herding practices of Dzhetyasar and Oguz populations, which could be related to the settled vs. semi-nomadic lifestyles of the groups. Stable isotope analysis demonstrated that many studied herbivores have elevated d13C values, which might suggest consumption of C4 vegetation or foddering by millet but might also be related to the consumption of local C3 vegetation, the isotopic values of which were affected by the arid environment.