Review on the Bone Chemistry for Prehistoric Anthropology

Abstract

The dietary reconstruction based on stable isotopes and trace elements have been adapted for the excavated human remains since 1970’s. However, the methodology have some uncertainties to be overcome. In this paper, we review the following issues; the fluctuation on the isotopic shift between dietary protein and collagen, the fluctuation on the primary isotopic values in a specific ecosystem, and the diagenetic effects on collagen and apatite. The status and perspective of the prehistoric anthropology by bone chemistry will be discussed.