Weaning patterns are reflected in strontium-calcium ratios of juvenile skeletons

Abstract

As human milk is exceptionally low in strontium-calcium ( Sr Ca ) ratios, but solid foods are relatively high, it should be possible to examine the pattern of dietary supplementation and the age of weaning in prehistoric groups by reference to the Sr Ca ratios of juvenile skeletons. The data are presented that support this rationale, along with an investigation of the Sr/Ca values of juvenile and adult skeletons from a medieval Arab graveyard. The Sr Ca data from these skeletons are shown to coincide with the age-curves expected in theory, suggesting that new palaeodemographic information is indeed obtainable from Sr Ca studies. However, until further research is conducted, the technique provides a functional estimate of weaning patterns that is only suitable for comparative purposes. Additional research should clarify the relationship of functional to actual estimates of dietary supplementation and weaning.