Qi Dai , Rongyu Fu , Ningkang Xie , Yi Si , Guanjin Liang , Xiaoyan Ren , Quanchao Zhang , Liangliang Hou
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Breastfeeding and weaning represent critical phases in infant growth and development, offering valuable insights into early life conditions and the nutritional status of ancient populations. These practices significantly influenced population health, fertility rates, and, by extension, the stability and development of social economies. In recent years, bioarchaeological research has increasingly focused extensively on breastfeeding and weaning practices in ancient populations. However, limited attention has been paid to such practices during Han and Jin periods in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This study investigates the dietary structure and breastfeeding-weaning patterns of the ancient inhabitants of the Taojiazhai Cemetery in Xining, Qinghai, dating to Han and Jin periods (approximately 206–352 CE). Stable isotope analysis was conducted on 8 skeletal samples and 98 sequential dentin samples. The results indicate that the Taojiazhai population’s diet consisted of a mixture of C3 and C4 plants, with a predominant reliance on C3 plants, supplemented by varying amounts of animal protein. Most residents were weaned between 2.6 and 3.5 years of age, with males generally weaned later than females. In terms of feeding strategies, males consumed slightly more animal protein and C4 foods than females during the weaning period, and after weaning, showed a dietary pattern featuring greater intake of animal protein and C3-based foods. When interpreted in conjunction with the subsistence economy, historical background, funerary objects, and paleopathology, these findings also shed light on the rise of male-biased inequality in access to dietary resources, patterns of daily life, and social hierarchy.
期刊介绍:
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports is aimed at archaeologists and scientists engaged with the application of scientific techniques and methodologies to all areas of archaeology. The journal focuses on the results of the application of scientific methods to archaeological problems and debates. It will provide a forum for reviews and scientific debate of issues in scientific archaeology and their impact in the wider subject. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports will publish papers of excellent archaeological science, with regional or wider interest. This will include case studies, reviews and short papers where an established scientific technique sheds light on archaeological questions and debates.