delta-13C and Diet: Analysis of Norwegian Human Skeletons

Abstract

The relationship between 13C content of human bone and the marine fraction in the individual diet is well established. In the present investigation human skeletons from inland and coastal areas in Norway were analyzed. Both regional and chronologic differences are revealed, and larger variability than expected at specific sites indicate more complex cultural adaptations than earlier recognized. Extremely high delta-13C values, comparable with those obtained from Eskimo sites, are found for material from Early Stone Age fishing/hunting communities.