Browse > Article
http://dx.doi.org/10.5806/AST.2013.26.6.387

Isotopic dietary history of Neolithic people from Janghang site at Gadeok Island, Busan  

Shin, Ji Young (Conservation Science Division, National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage)
Kang, Da Young (Conservation Science Division, National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage)
Kim, Sang Hyun (The Korea Archaeology & Art History Research Institute)
Jung, Eui Do (The Korea Archaeology & Art History Research Institute)
Publication Information
Analytical Science and Technology / v.26, no.6, 2013 , pp. 387-394 More about this Journal
Abstract
We aim to unveil dietary history recorded in Neolithic human bone from Janghang site at Gadeok Island, Busan. Excavation of Janghang site at Gadeok Island from 2010 to 2011 is an outstanding discovery in Korean Neolithic archaeology. A large number of human bones (48 individuals) were found at Janghang site, which is the largest-scale Neolithic cemetery in Korea. We extracted human bone collagen from 10 individuals and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis were carried out using carbon and nitrogen analyzer connected to a continuous-flow isotope-ratio-monitoring mass-spectrometer. Although bone histological analysis shows poor preservation state, stable isotope results correspond well with bone collagen quality indicator, which implies that bone collagen reflects lifetime signature. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope result indicates highly marinebased diet(${\delta}^{13}$C=$-14.5{\pm}1.3$‰, ${\delta}^{15}$N=$-17.4{\pm}1.7$‰, n=10), however the possible input of terrestrial animal and wild plant cannot be excluded. Our isotopic findings provide an invaluable information on Neolithic subsistence economy in this coastal area. In addition, Janghang site shows specific features in burial methods and burial goods. Two different burial methods of arranging bodies are found with extended burial type and particularly high ratio of flexed burial type. There are also burial goods such as pottery. However, there are no significant isotopic differences according to burial methods and burial goods. Although this is a preliminary study on this site, our research will provide important clues in understanding isotopic dietary history of Korean Neolithic people.
Keywords
bone collagen; bone histology; Gadeok Island; Neolithic diet; stable isotope analysis;
Citations & Related Records
Times Cited By KSCI : 2  (Citation Analysis)
연도 인용수 순위
1 J. Y. Shin and J. J. Lee, J. Kor. Archaeological Soc., 70, 84-109 (2009).
2 신지영, 강다영, 제5부, '발굴 현장에서 고인골 분석 연구실까지', 국립문화재연구소, 2012.
3 S. H. Ambrose and L. Norr, In 'Prehistoric human bone - Archaeology at the molecular level', J. B. Lambert and G. Grupe, Eds., p1, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1993.
4 L. Tieszen and T. Fagre, In 'Prehistoric human bone - Archaeology at the molecular level', J. B. Lambert and G. Grupe, Eds., p121, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1993.
5 D. Y. Kang and J. Y. Shin, Analytical Sci. Technology, 25(5), 300-306 (2012).   DOI   ScienceOn
6 D. I. An, J. Korean Ancient Historical Soc., 54, 5-20 (2006).
7 K. Choy and M. P. Richards, J. Archaeol. Sci., 36(7), 1312-1318 (2009).   DOI   ScienceOn
8 S. Y. Kang, E. S. Kwon, E. J. Moon, E. M. Cho, M. S. Seo, Y. J. Kim and S. H. Jee, J. Conservation Sci., 26(1), 95-107 (2010).
9 J. J. Lee, J. Korean Ancient Historical Soc., 73, 31-66 (2011).
10 J. Y. Shin, T. C. O’Connell, S. Black amd R. E. M. Hedges, Radiocarbon, 46(2), 853-861 (2004).   DOI
11 J. Y. Shin, Bull. Kor. Chem. Soc., 32(1), 83-88 (2011).   DOI   ScienceOn
12 J. Y. Shin, R. E. M. Hedges, J. Archaeol. Sci., 39(4), 1123-1130 (2012).   DOI   ScienceOn
13 K. Choy and M. P. Richards, Archaeol. Anthropol. Sci., 2, 1-10 (2010).   DOI
14 H. S. Kim, J. Korean Neolithic Soc., 20, 89-111 (2010).
15 K. Choy and M. P. Richards, J. Archaeol. Sci., 39(7), 2091-2097 (2012).   DOI   ScienceOn
16 S. H. Kim, J. Kor. Archaeology, 22-31, National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (2011).
17 G. J. van Klinken, J. Archaeol. Sci., 26(6), 687-695 (1999).   DOI   ScienceOn
18 R. E. M. Hedges, A. R. Millard and A. W. G. Pike, J. Archaeol. Sci., 22(2), 201-209 (1995).   DOI   ScienceOn
19 A. R. Millard, In 'Handbook of Archaeological Sciences', D. R. Brothewell and A. R. Millard, Eds., John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 2001.
20 M. P. Richards and R. E. M. Hedges, J. Archaeol. Sci., 26(6), 717-722 (1999).   DOI   ScienceOn