Early life histories in Prehistoric Algeria: first evidences by multi-isotope and bioanthropological approaches
Résumé
This study presents an unprecedented documentation on the diet, mobility and lifeways of children and adults at the Prehistoric settlement of Columnata (Sidi Hosni, Algeria). Discovered in the 1930’s, the site displays material from the Epipalaeolithic to the Neolithic. In this study we focus specifically on newly excavated burials dating from the 11th mill. to the 9th mill. cal BP. The isotopic compositions (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) of bone collagen of three individuals and teeth of five individuals (sequential sampling in dentine) were analysed. Information on protein intake, environment and life history from ca. birth to early adulthood (depending on the piece analysed) was obtained. Age-alignment for teeth isotopic sequences was statistically adapted. Stable isotope compositions were measured by EA-IRMS, sex determination was confirmed by employing peptide identification in tooth enamel of four individuals, and environment and food resources were further documented by utilising microremains from dental calculus. Results show protein consumption was based mainly on terrestrial resources with a possible high reliance on plant foods. Carbon and sulphur isotopic compositions suggest the exploitation of three different areas as well as intra-life mobility. Exclusive breastfeeding is visible until ca. 12 months for three individuals (both male and female) and one child seems to have benefited from a longer exclusive breastfeeding period. Weaning appears to start at ca. 12 months but teeth sampled do not provide information on completion of the weaning stage. The isotopic profiles of the third molar of a male individual suggest significant changes (subsistence/mobility?) at ca. 17 years old. Isotopic, proteomic and calculus analysis are funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR Women SOFar 21-CE03-0008) and archaeological research is conducted by Algiers2 University, Institute of Archaeology with the support of Algerian Ministry of Culture.