Silver Linings at the Dawn of a “Golden Age”

Kate Britton,Joshua H Miller,Clément P Bataille,Matthew J Wooller,Brooke E Crowley

doi:10.3389/fevo.2021.748938

Abstract

Nearly four decades after the first applications of strontium isotope analyses in archaeology and paleoecology research, it could be said that we are entering a “Golden Age”. Here, we reflect on major past developments and current strengths in strontium isotope research, as well as speculate on future directions. We review (1) the currently limited number of (but much needed) controlled feeding experiments, (2) recent advances in isoscape mapping and spatial assignment, and (3) the strength of multi-proxy approaches (including both the integration of strontium isotopes with other isotope systems and complementary techniques such as ancient DNA analyses). We also explore the integration of strontium isotope research with other types of paleoecological or archaeology data, as well as with evidence and interpretative frameworks from other fields (such as conservation ecology, conservation paleobiology or history). This blending is critical as we seek to advance the field beyond simply distinguishing local or relatively sedentary individuals from those that were non-local or highly mobile. We finish with a call for future research centered on balancing methodological developments and novel applications with critical self-reflection, deeper theoretical considerations and cross-disciplinarity.

Highlights

Almost 40 years have passed since the earliest uses of strontium isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) for evaluating provenance and mobility in paleoanthropology (Sillen and Kavanagh, 1982; Ericson, 1985)
Strontium isotope investigations are increasingly common in studies of past human mobility and in applications to zooarchaeological remains
Analyses of other biogenic materials are on the rise in archaeology. These trends are mirrored in the field of paleoecology

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Almost 40 years have passed since the earliest uses of strontium isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) for evaluating provenance and mobility in paleoanthropology (Sillen and Kavanagh, 1982; Ericson, 1985). The same approaches can be used to analyze larger specimens, including teeth or tusks, provided potential interferences from other elements are taken into account and strontium concentrations are adequately high (Irrgeher et al, 2016; Wooller et al, 2021) Both archaeology and paleoecology will benefit from (and have great potential to contribute to) developments in forensic science and food source authentication, as these fields, too, seek to better understand strontium isotope systematics for geographic tracing and provenance studies (e.g., Almeida and Vasconcelos, 2001; Coelho et al, 2017; Techer et al, 2017; Bartelink and Chesson, 2019). Identifying cross-disciplinary challenges and common goals, as well as exchanging of ideas, data and best practices will maximize the value of strontium isotope analysis to researchers in a wide number of allied fields

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT