Following the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in coastal Portugual, Neolithic peoples had a much more restricted diet that contained almost exclusively terrestrial sources, whereas the Mesolithic people had also exploited marine resources. Residues on ceramics from sites in northern Manitoba indicate that the flat plates were probably used to fry fish and other foods. A strong trophic level shift in ClsN ratios in children about 5-7 years old suggests that weaning occurred then. Isotopes in their hair suggests that more people died in the early summer and that their summer diet was almost exclusively millet and sourgham, while their winter diet was almost all wheat. We do know, however, that they did store food, which should have averaged the isotope ratios more over the year.
More research is needed into hair growth rates and possible fractionation.
In order to examine the nutritional state preserved in the Highland Park skeletal collection, she will examine paleopathologies, stable isotope chemistry, and some trace element chemistry. Zubrow also invited all the speakers to contribute their papers to a new fully electronic journal, Journal of World Anthropology, being edited at SUNY Buffalo. Further information is available over email or by writing Prof. Ezra Zubrow, Dept. of Anthropology, SUNY Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14222. As always, SUNY Buffalo hosted a great meeting, with plentiful, interesting science, useful discussion, and good food.