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OXYGEN AND CARBON ISOTOPE ANALYSIS OF HUMAN TOOTH ENAMEL FROM THE NEW KINGDOM SITE OF TOMBOS IN NUBIA
Author(s) -
BUZON M. R.,
BOWEN G. J.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
archaeometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.716
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1475-4754
pISSN - 0003-813X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-4754.2009.00503.x
Subject(s) - isotopes of oxygen , isotope analysis , carbonate , groundwater , isotopes of carbon , δ18o , aquifer , immigration , oxygen isotope ratio cycle , oxygen , geology , oxygen 18 , isotope , stable isotope ratio , geochemistry , earth science , environmental chemistry , mineralogy , environmental science , chemistry , archaeology , geography , oceanography , total organic carbon , physics , geotechnical engineering , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics
This study examines the feasibility of using oxygen isotope analysis of tooth carbonate to identify immigrants from the New Kingdom site of Tombos in Nubia (n = 30). In comparison with published data, the results (δ 18 O ca,VSMOW = 31.4‰) imply a substantial presence of immigrants. However, further analysis of these data strongly suggests the need to consider hydrological and cultural factors such as the contribution of aquifer waters to the Nile, use of groundwater sources, and differences in handling and storage of water. The carbon isotope analysis, in conjunction with published 87 Sr/ 86 Sr data, provides additional support for the presence of immigrants at Tombos.