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Breastfeeding, weaning, and dietary practices during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1122–771 BC) at Boyangcheng, Anhui Province, China
Author(s) -
Xia Yang,
Zhang Jinglei,
Yu Fei,
Zhang Hui,
Wang Tingting,
Hu Yaowu,
Fuller Benjamin T.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
american journal of physical anthropology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.146
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1096-8644
pISSN - 0002-9483
DOI - 10.1002/ajpa.23358
Subject(s) - weaning , zoology , breastfeeding , china , biology , veterinary medicine , demography , medicine , geography , pediatrics , archaeology , sociology
Objectives Here we investigate breastfeeding and weaning practices and adult dietary habits at the Western Zhou Dynasty (1122–771 BC) site of Boyangcheng (薄阳城) located in Anhui Province, China. In addition, we utilize the differences in bone collagen turnover rates between rib and long bones from the same individual to examine past life histories, such as changes in diet or residence. Materials and methods Bone collagen from both the rib and long bones (either femora or humeri) of 42 individuals was measured for stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N). In addition, δ 13 C and δ 15 N values are reported for 35 animals (dogs, cows, horses, pigs, and deer). Results The human δ 13 C values range from −20.7‰ to −12.0‰ with a mean value of −18.8 ± 1.6‰. The human δ 15 N values range from 9.1‰ to 13.4‰ with a mean value of 10.9 ± 1.0‰. The animals display a wide range of δ 13 C (−21.5‰ to −8.2‰; −15.8 ± 4.5‰) and δ 15 N values (4.0‰ to 9.5‰; 6.5 ± 1.8‰). Conclusions The adult δ 13 C and δ 15 N results indicate that mixed C 3 (rice) and C 4 (millet) terrestrial diets with varying levels of animal protein (mostly pigs and deer) were consumed. The elevated subadult δ 15 N results return to adult levels by approximately 3–4 years of age, indicating that the weaning process was completed during this period. Individuals between 2 and 10 years old, with lower δ 13 C and δ 15 N results than the adult mean, possibly consumed more plant‐based diets, and this is consistent with Chinese medical teachings ∼1500 years later during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618–907). The isotopic offsets between the ribs and long bones revealed that five adults experienced dramatic dietary shifts in their later lives, switching from predominately C 3 /C 4 to C 3 diets. This research provides the first isotopic information about ancient Chinese breastfeeding and weaning practices and establishes a foundation for future studies to examine diachronic trends.