Oxygen isotope analysis of human bone phosphate evidences weaning age in archaeological populations

Here we report bone phosphate oxygen (δ(18)Op) values from perinates/neonates and infants ( 50 years), have δ(18)Op values consistent with the consumption of local modern drinking water. The implications of this study for the reconstruction of weaning practices in archaeological populations are discussed, including variations observed with bone δ(15)Ncoll and δ(18)Op co-analysis and the influence of culturally-modified drinking water and seasonality. The use of this method to explore human mobility and palaeoclimatic conditions are also discussed with reference to the data presented.