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The name of the project: Stable isotope analyses as a tool to study past human diets.
The name of the principal investigator: RA
Institution and structural unit: Tallinn University, Institute of History
Start and end dates: 01.01.2015-31.12.2018
Research area, 1.5. Biological sciences (biology, botany, bacteriology, microbiology,
zoology, entomology, genetics, biochemistry, biophysics, other allied sciences, excluding
clinical and veterinary sciences), 6.1. History (history, prehistory and history, together with
auxiliary historical disciplines such as archaeology, numismatics, palaeography, genealogy,
etc.), 5.4. Other social sciences [anthropology (social and cultural) and ethnology,
demography, geography (human, economic and social), town and country planning,
management, law, linguistics, political sciences, sociology, organisation and methods,
miscellaneous social sciences and interdisciplinary, methodological and historical S&T
activities relating to subjects in this group. Physical anthropology, physical geography and
psychophysiology should normally be classified with the natural sciences],
B460 Physical anthropology, H340 Archaeology, S250 Demography
6. Summary
Lately there have been done some palaeodemographic studies on the basis of Iron Age,
medieval and historical skeletal samples in Estonia. These studies have raised the question of
weaning age and its relations to population fertility, growth and mortality. Also the research
questions concerning overall relations between human health, growth, nutrition and
environment in the past have also occurred, for example how climate, economics, warfare,
famine, epidemics and availability of food resources have affected past human populations. For
this purpose four skeletal series from different periods and archaelogical context will be studied
by the methods biological anthropology and archeological chemistry (isotopic approach) in
order to investigate subsictence strategies of past urban and rural communities.
7. Theoretical background, analysis of previous studies
The studies in biological anthropology of Estonian archeological populations are numerous, thus
we have quite impressive knowledge in physical appearance, growth, health, and in some cases
on the demography of past populations in Estonia (Allmäe 1998, 1999, 2000, 2006, 2008, 2011,
2013; Allmäe 2014 in print , Limbo 2008, 2010; Heapost 2002, 2003, 2007, 2009; Limbo 2004,
2006, 2009, 2011, 2013; Allmäe et al 2012).
The stable isotope analysis of human skeletal remains, which enhances the possibilities to study
past populations and their environments on the grounds of bone chemistry, has not been widely
used in Estonia.
The stable carbon and nitrogen measurements in archaeological human and faunal bones and
teeth are a method for determination of past diets, including infant feeding practices (Fuller
2006, Schurr 1997, Schurr & Powell 2005). The values of δ 13C and δ 15N in adult and
subadult bone tissues reflect the composition of diet, does it mainly consist of terrestrial or
marine foods, and how much it contains proteins (Richards et al 2006, Katzenberg 2008,
Reitsema, Vercellotti 2012). Mesolithic and Neolithic diet (δ 13C and δ 15N) is studied also in
Baltic States, on the basis of Zvejnieki cemetery (Latvia) bone remains and on some Estonian
Meso/ Neolithic samples (Lõugas et al 1996, Eriksson et al. 2003, Eriksson 2006).
Nitrogen isotope values (δ15N ) in collagen of subadults bones reflects the change in infant
feeding and small children’s diet, it indicates the average age of weaning in past population
under study (Fogel et al 1989,1997; Katzenberg 2008; Richards et al 2002, 2006). The δ 15N
analysis from subadult bone remains will provide us with data, which explains the patterns of
fertility and mortality in different past populations, especially the child mortality and its relation
to infant feeding behavior.
8. Objective, research questions, hypotheses, research methodology (5000)
Lately there has been done some palaeodemographic studies on the basis of Iron Age, medieval
and historical skeletal samples in Estonia, which have raised the question of weaning age and its
relations to population growth and mortality (Allmäe 1998, 2006, 2014 in print; Heapost 2007).
The research questions concerning overall relations between human health, growth, nutrition
and environment have also occurred, for example how climate, economics, warfare, famine,
epidemics and availability food resources have affected past human populations. For this
purpose four skeletal series from different periods were picked: Pärnu 16th-18th centuries
garrison cemetery (urban), St Barbara (Tallinn) 14th-17th centuries sub-urban cemetery, Pada
11th-12th and Tääksi 14th-18th centuries village cemeteries. Material under study consists around
500-600 human skeletons.First aim is to find out if there were differences in the nutrition and
health markers (body height, dental health) between Estonian urban and rural communities from
Late Iron Age to Early Modern Times; to observe if the differences in trophic level in adult male
and female individuals, children and infants exist. Targeting any differences in diet inside
community and between communities (urban, rural). The idea is to compare the values of δ 13C/
δ15N in skeletal remains of different cemeteries from different periods. In all cases the health
markers: f e, linear dental enamel hypoplasia (LEH) and body stature will be discussed in relation to
δ 13C/ δ 15N values. The growth of children is highly sensitive to environmental conditions,
especially nutrition, thus it indicates communities access to food resources. The growth is
influenced by poverty also (Eveleth & Tanner 1990), thus growth disruptions may refer to
socioeconomic status of the community under study. Disruptions may also refer to disease, rapid
and extreme processes in society, like urbanization, war, famine etc. (Eveleth & Tanner 1990).
Values of δ 13C and δ 15N in bone/tooth dentine and reconstructed growth curves in connection
with climatic and historical data indicate environmental and living conditions in community.
Hypothesis: Stable isotopes values (δ 13C and δ 15N) in bone tissues in connection with health
markers on skeletons indicate different subsictence strategies and nutrition for past urban and rural
communities of different timeperiods.
The second aim is to study breastfeeding patterns in Estonian past populations, to determine the
age of weaning by examining changes in δ 15N values with age for juveniles within skeletal series.
The purpose is to estimate the weaning age for populations from different time-period and areas in
Estonia. Weaning age, birth intervals, child mortality and human fertility are related subjects. The
child mortality increases when infants are weaned, because of the loss of passive immunity and
exposure to infectious agents from supplementary foods. The nursing and weaning practices are
culturally different, during famine and/or war (poor access to food resources) the feeding practice of
infants and young children could alter. The nutritional studies of infants and children are absent in
Estonia; these studies might contribute to our understanding of human behavior during extreme
conditions and everyday life. Hypothesis: Stable isotope values (δ 15N ) within juveniles skeletal
series indicate different breastfeeding and weaning practices for past urban and rural
communities.4. Research methods.
Determination of age at death and sex of individuals is performed by using common standards of
analysing human skeletal remains (Buikstra & Ubelaker 1994, Schinö 1979, Brothwell 1981, WEA
198, Miles 1963, etc). Also x-ray analysis of dental development will be conducted to specify the
age at deaths of subdults (Massler 1941, Ubelaker 1989). The body height of children and adults
will be calculated according to osteometric data (Trotter& Gleser 1952, Ruff et al 2012, Telkkä et
al 1962, Ruff 2007). Dental and skeletal measurements and stress markers will be analyzed
according to common methodologies (Martin & Saller 1957, Ortner 1985, Pindborg 1970).
Individuals for analysing will be chosen taking into account biological/osteological data as well
archaeological context.
C and N isotopes from bone/tooth dentine samples will be analysed in Dorothy Garrod Laboratory
for Isotopic Analysis (University of Cambridge Department of Archaeology).
9. Description of prior R&D of the applicant (includes also this not directly related with
the topic of the project, 3000)
Involvoment of principal investigator and researhces in R & D projects:
Theme
Finance
Project number program Duration
Application of new methods in osteo-archaeological research
Archaeology outdoors and indoors. Technologies from the
prehistoric times to the present day.
ETF6899
ETF
01.01.06 - 31.12.09
ETF7880
ETF
01.01.09 - 31.12.12
Arrangement of the Baltic Bioarcheology Meeting 2011
Interactions between the natural environment and man from the
geographical, historical and technological aspect.
TA/1211
TLÜ UF 15.03.11 - 24.08.11
SF0042476s03
SF
01.01.03 - 31.12.07
SF0130012s08
SF
01.01.08 - 31.12.13
SF0182557s03
SF
01.01.03 - 31.12.07
ETF
01.01.04 - 31.12.07
ETF
01.01.07 - 31.12.11
Reflection of the development of human society in natural
environment, ancient technology and archaeobiological material,
and its tracing by interdisciplinary methods
Social, Economical and Cultural Processes in Prehistoric and
Medieval Estonia
The antiquities of the Long Barrows Culture in the North Setumaa ETF5973
Where Land Meets the Sea. Maritime Cultural Landscapes in
Prehistoric and Medieval Estonia
ETF6998
10. Schedule
2015. Determination of bio-anthropological figures (sex, age, pathologies, stress markers, health
markers etc), osteometric analysis, archaeological and cultural context of skeletal samples, selection
and preparation of material for analysis – first set (δ 13C/ δ 15N) analyses - Pärnu 16th-18th
centuries garrison cemetery. The collection and preparation of animal bone samples to estimate the
local range of δ13C/ δ15N in nature. Preliminary interpretations of values δ 13C/ δ 15N in
context , preparation of scientific papers and presentations.
2016. Age and sex determinations of individuals, analysis of health markers and osteometric data,
selection and preparation of material for (δ 13C/ δ 15N). Second set δ 13C/ δ 15N analysis –
Pada 11th-12th; Tääksi 14th-18th cc village cemeteries). The collection and preparation of animal
bone samples to estimate the local range of δ13C/ δ15N in nature. Preliminary interpretations of
values δ 13C/ δ 15N in context , preparation of scientific papers and presentations.
2017. Determination of bio-anthropological indices (sex, age, pathologies, stress markers, health
markers etc.), osteometric analysis, archaeological and cultural context of samples, selection and
preparation of material for analysis third set of δ13C/ δ15N –St Barbara 14th-17th centuries suburban cemetery; collection and preparation of bone samples to estimate the local range of δ13C/
δ15N . Interpretations of δ13C/ δ15N analysis in context, preparation of scientific papers and
presentations.
2018. Synthesis of the project results: interpretation of data, comparative analyses and preparation
of scientific papers and presentations. Arrangement of scientific conference “ Human health and
subsistence during 12th-18th centuries in Northern Europe.”
11. Budget (staff costs, stipends, mobility costs, infrastructure, services, other costs).
Budget
Salaries and taxes
Scholarships
Main assets
Abroad assignments
Other costs
Total
Total cost EUR
288,000
38,400
30,000
16,000
60,000
432,400
Annual budgets
2015
72,000
9,600
15000
4,000
15,000
115,600
2016
72,000
9,600
0
4,000
15,000
100,600
2017
72,000
9,600
15000
4,000
15,000
115,600
2018
72,000
9,600
0
4,000
15,000
100,600
Salaries & taxes 72000 EUR per year
Principal investigator RA (1,0), and two researcher (JL and LH) both 1,0 position in TLU Institute
of History.
Scholarships 9600 EUR per year
For doctoral student MI scholarship is planned in the first 2015 -2018.
For doctoral student NH scholarship is planned in the first 2015 –2016,
because he will finish his doctoral studies by then.
Then the master level student (GF) graduates and will continue with doctoral studies,
scholarship planned in 2017-2018.
Main assets 30 000 EUR in 2015 and 2016.
There is planned to purchase high-performance workstations, one mobile and one desktop, as
computers of the working-team are quite expired and performance figures are low. Modern
technologies enable to connect many people (members of the working team) into one working
stations, also to build up and use one common database at the same time. This new technology and
capacity of work-stations improves exploitation of new capacious software, processing of data
(statistical analysis) and preparing for example data-maps and using other graphics software. The
digital equipment (connected to the work station) for measuring bones and teeth will be also
purchased. It remarkably simplifies the osteometric and odondometric work load.
For example: Precision M6300 mobile workstaition and Precision T7400 desktop workstation.
Abroad assignments 4000 EUR per year of participants are related to three main topics: working
meetings and consultations with co-partners (laboratories), mobility costs of doctoral student and
participations in scientific conferences. For example working meeting with partners in United
Kingdom (Dorothy Garrod Laboratory for Isotopic Analysis Universityof Cambridge Department of
Archaeology) is planned t the beginning 2015.
Other costs 15 000 EUR per year .Other expenses are mainly for purchasing lab services from
international laboratories for analysing stable isotope values (N, C ) in archaeological skeletal
remains (including radiocarbon dating of cemeteries) and in other organic samples if necessary
(~12000 EUR). Also the some other small costs for domestic assignments, equipment and software
purchasing is planned ~ 3000 EUK per year.
12. Outcomes, their possible application and follow-up activities
The Outcomes of the project are following:
The methodology how to study different archaeological skeletal materials is facilitated
At least two PhD thesisis on the subject
At least 6 high-ranked articles on the subject are published
This is a pilot-study to examine stable isotope (nitrogen, carbon) values in Estonian
archaeological human skeletal materials. Project results are important for further research in
bioanthropology and archaeology. Stable isotope analyses provide new data to archaeologists
and osteoarchaeologists to study and interpret the biology (diet, health, demography,
morphology, etc) as well material culture, burial customs and migration of past population on
the territory of Estonia. It has also overall important role in further research in population
history, geology, archaeozoology, archaeobotany, ecology and landscape studies.
13. List of publications cited in the proposal.
Allmäe, R. 1998. Tääksi 14.–18.sajandi populatsiooni demograafiline analüüs ja kehapikkuse
rekonstrueerimine. V. Lang (Toim.). Loodus, inimene ja tehnoloogia : interdistsiplinaaarseid
uurimusi arheoloogias = Nature, man and technology : interdisciplinary studies in archaeology (163
- 187). Tallinn: Eesti TA Ajaloo Instituut.
Allmäe, R. 1999. Dental and cranial pathologies in Tääksi 14th-18th cc. skeletal population. Papers
on anthropology VIII, 9-14.
Allmäe, R. 2000. Stature and sexual dimorphism in Estonians of the 13th-18th centuries. Papers on
Anthropology, 9, 11 - 23.
Allmäe, R. Limbo-Simovart, J.Heapost, L. Verš, E. 2012. The content of chemical elements in
archaeological human bones as a source of nutrition research. Papers on Anthropology, XXI, 27 50.
Allmäe, R. 2011. The Stone Age quadruple burial in Veibri village, Tartumaaaa Estonia – some
anthropological data. Arheoloģija un etnogrāfija, 25, 184 - 191.
Allmäe, R.; Limbo, J. 2008. 16. - 18. sajandi Pärnu garnisoni kalmistule maetute antropoloogiast.
Pärnumaa 1. köide. Loodus. Aeg. Inimene. (369 - 387).Eesti Entsüklopeediakirjastus.
Allmäe, R. 2008. The stature and sexual dimorphism on the basis of skeletal materials of the16th18th century Pärnu garrison. Papers on Anthropology, 17, 15 - 27.
Allmäe, R. 2014. ON THE DEMOGRAPHY OF IRON AGE GRAVES IN ESTONIA. Lietuvos archeologija,
in print.
Brothwell D.R. 1981. Digging up bones. Trustees of the British Museum. London.
Brooks S., Suchey J. M. 1990. Skeletal age determination based on the os pubis: A comparison of
the Acsàdi-Nemeskeri and Suchey-Brooks methods. Human Evolution 5, 227-38.
Buikstra J. E., Ubelaker D. eds. 1994. Standards for Data Collection from Human Skeletal Remains:
Proceedings of a Seminar at the Field Museum of Natural History. Arkansas Archaeological Survey
Press, Fayetteville.
Eriksson G. 2006. Stable isotope analysis of human and faunal remains from Zveinieki. In: Eds.
Larsson L., Zagorska I. Back to the origin: new research in the Mesolithic-Neolithic Zveinijeki
cemetery and environment, northen Latvia. Lund.
Eriksson G., Lõugas L., Zagorska I. 2003. Stone Age hunter-fisher-gatherers at Zvejnieki,northern
Latvia : radiocarbon, stable isotope and archaeozoology data. Before Farming1:1 – 25
Eriksson G. 2006. Stable isotope analysis of human and faunal remains from Zveinieki. In: Eds.
Larsson L., Zagorska I. Back to the origin: new research in the Mesolithic-Neolithic Zveinijeki
cemetery and environment, northen Latvia. Lund.
Eveleth, P. B., Tanner, J. M. 1990. Worldwide Variation in Human Growth. Cambridge University
Press, Cambridge.
Fogel M.,Tuross N.,Owsley D. W. 1989. Nitrogen isotope tracers of human lactation in modern and
archaeological populations. Annual report of the Director; Geophysical Laboratory. Washington,D.
C.: Carnegie Institution. Pp. 111-117
Fuller B. T., Fuller J. L., Harris D. A., Hedges R. E. M. 2006. Detection of breastfeeding and
weaning in modern human infants with carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios. American Journal
of Physical Anthropology 129: 279-293
Heapost, L. 2002. Pada 12.-13. sajandi kalme osteomeetria ja rekonstrueeritud somatomeetria.
Kaarma, H. (Toim.). Eesti Antropomeetriaregistri aastaraamat, 2002 (25 - 40).Tartu Ülikooli
Kirjastus
Heapost L. 2003. Variation of stature in Estonia from the 12th to the 20th centuries. Papers on
Anthropology, XII, 51-61.
Heapost, Leiu 2007. The cemetery of Siksälä: osteological and paleodemographical analysis. Laul,
Silvia, Valk, Heiki (Toim.). A Community at the Frontiers. Iron Age and Medieval (213 - 236).
Tallinn-Tartu: University of Tartu
Heapost, L. 2009. Osteometric data and the stature of the population of Eastern Setumaa (Pechory
and Izborsk districts) in the 11th-15th century. Papers on Anthropology, XVIII, 122 - 143
Katzenberg M. A. 2008. Stable isotope analysis: a tool for studying past diet,demography,and life
history. In: eds. Katzenberg M. A. & Saunders S. R. Biological Anthropology of Human Skeleton.
Wiley-Liss.
Limbo J. 2004 Dental pathologies of male and female in Pada cemetery (12th-13th century). Papers
on Anthropology,13,134-144.
Limbo J. 2006 Dental enamel hypoplasia in the Pada Cemetery (12th-13th cc.) population in
Northeast Estonia. Papers in Anthropology XV,114-123.
Limbo, J. 2009. Dental pathologies and linear enamel hypoplasia in Pärnu St. John's church
cemetery (16th-18th) skeletons. Papers on Anthropology, XVIII, 234 - 249.
Limbo, J. 2011. THE TOOTH SIZE IN THE END OF THE ESTONIAN IRON END. Papers on
Anthropology, XX, 241 - 250.
Limbo-Simovart, J. 2013. The frequency and pattern of dental caries in archaeological populations
from Estonia. Papers on Anthropology, XXII, 121 - 132.
Lõugas L., Lidén K., Nelson D.E. 1996. Resource utilisation along the Estonian coast during the
Stone Age. Hackens,Tony; Hicks,Shiela; Lang,Valter; Miller,Urve; Saarse,Leili (Toim.). Coastal
Estonia: Recent Advances in Environmental and Cultural History (399 - 420). Strasbourg : Council
of Europe ; Rixensart : PACT Belgium
Martin R., Saller K. (1957) Lehrbuch der Anthropologie, I – III. Stuttgart.
Massler M., Schour I., Poncher H. G. 1941. Development pattern of the child as reflected in the
calcification patterns of the teeth. Am. J. Dis. Child 62:33-67
Miles A. E. W. (1963) Dentition in the assessment of individual age in skeletal material. Dental
Anthropology. Ed. D. R. Brothwell. New York: Pergamon Press. 191-209.
Meindl R. S., Lovejoy C. O. 1985. Ectocranial suture closure: A revised method for the
determination of skeletal age at death based on the lateral anterior sutures. Amer J Phys Anthropol,
68,57-66.
Miles A. E. W. 1963. Dentition in the assessment of individual age in skeletal material. Dental
Anthropology. Ed. D. R. Brothwell. New York: Pergamon Press. 191-209.
Ortner D. J. 1985 Identification of pathological conditions in human skeletal remains / Donald J.
Ortner and Walter G.J. Putschar. Washington : Smithsonian Institution Press.
Pindborg J. J. 1970. Pathology of the Dental Hard Tissues. Munsgaard. Copenhagen.
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Reitsema LJ, Vercellotti G. 2012. Stable isotope evidence for sex- and status-based variations in
diet and life history at medieval Trino Vercellese, Italy. Am J Phys Anthropol 148:589–600.
Richards M. P., Fuller B. T., Molleson T. I. 2006. Stable isotope paleodietary study of humans and
fauna from the multi-period (Iron Age, Viking and Late Medieval ) site of Newark Bay, Orkney.
Journal of Archaeological Science 33: 122-131Richards M. P., Mays S., Fuller B. T. 2002. Stable ca.bon and nitrogen isotope values of bone and
teeth reflect weaning age at the Medieval Wharram Percy Site, Yorkshire, UK. American Journal of
Physical Anthropology 119: 205-210.
Ruff, C. D. 2007. Body Size Prediction From Juvenile Skeletal Remains. American Journal of
Physical Anthropology 133:698–716.
Ruff, C. B., Holt, B. M., Niskanen, M., Sladék, V., Berner, M., Garofalo, E., Garvin, H.M., Hora,
M., Maijanen, H., Niinimäki, S.,Kati Salo, K.,Schuplerová, E., Dannielle Tompkins, D. 2012.
Stature and Body Mass Estimation From Skeletal Remains in the European Holocene. American
Journal of Physical Anthropology 148:601–617 .
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Shurr M. R. 1997 Stable nitrogen isotopes as evidence for the age of weaning at the Angel Site: a
comparison of isotopic and demographic measures of weaning age. Journal of Archaeological
Science 24: 919-927
Shurr M. R., Powell M. L. 2005. The role of changing childhood diets in the prehistoric evolution
of food production: an isotopic assessment. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 126: 278294
Telkkä A., Palkama A., Virtama P. 1962. Prediction of stature from radiographs of long bones in
children. J Forensic Sci 7, 474–479.
Trotter M., Gleser G. C. 1952. Estimation of stature from long bones of American Whites and
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Ubelaker D. H. 1989. Human Skeletal Remains: Excavation, Analysis, Interpretation. 2nd ed.
Taraxacum, Washington.
WEA 1980=Recommendations 1980. Workshop of European anthropologists, “Recommendations
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