Abstract
This study investigates the reliability of the sulphur isotopic compositions (δ 34S) of collagen in archaeological bones from an early Holocene river-bank site, Noyen-sur-Seine (France). The chemical composition (C, N, S) of whole bones compared to those of bones from cave sites suggests that contamination with sulphur is higher in the bones sampled from river bank deposits compared to those from caves, especially those that occur well above the water table. Sulphur content in fresh bone collagen suggests specific values for different mammal taxa, while sulphur content in reptile bones may not always be higher than those of mammals. In the early Holocene bones from Noyen-sur-Seine, the collagen has chemical characteristics within the overall range observed in modern bone collagen. However, co-variation between some diagenetic indicators, such as sulphur content and N/S in whole bone, %S in collagen, and S yield, and δ 34S values of collagen from the same species or ecological groups indicate that some diagenetic alteration may have influenced the collagen. Excluding samples possibly affected by this alteration, a difference in δ 34S is measured between freshwater and terrestrial fauna. We recommend further work on the collagen sulphur contents in different species. Moreover, whole bone chemical compositions may help to screen samples for sulphur isotopic analyses of collagen that are to be used for palaeodietary reconstructions.
Highlights
IntroductionSulphur isotope compositions of collagen are increasingly used to investigate palaeodiets (e.g. Leach et al, 1996; Richards et al, 2001, 2003; Craig et al, 2006, 2010; Privat et al, 2007; Athfield et al, 2008; Nehlich et al, 2010)
The present study focuses on the possible alteration of sulphur isotopic compositions of bone collagen in one surficial, archaeological site within peat levels located on a river bank (Noyen-sur-Seine)
These samples were contaminated with exogenous sulphur with a sulphur isotopic composition very different from that of the original bone collagen
Summary
Sulphur isotope compositions of collagen are increasingly used to investigate palaeodiets (e.g. Leach et al, 1996; Richards et al, 2001, 2003; Craig et al, 2006, 2010; Privat et al, 2007; Athfield et al, 2008; Nehlich et al, 2010). Leach et al, 1996; Richards et al, 2001, 2003; Craig et al, 2006, 2010; Privat et al, 2007; Athfield et al, 2008; Nehlich et al, 2010) This isotopic tracer is useful in the distinction of terrestrial and freshwater food resources (Nehlich et al, 2010). The issue of freshwater food consumption is especially relevant in the case of archaeological sites located near rivers or lakes In such taphonomic contexts, bones are often contaminated by exogenous organic matter It seems essential to test the specific case of archaeological sites close to water bodies for possible diagenetic alteration of sulphur isotopic abundances of bones
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