PRELIMINARY RECONSTRUCTION OF DIET AT A NEOLITHIC SITE IN VIETNAM USING STABLE ISOTOPE AND BA/SR ANALYSES

Abstract

In order to better evaluate the role plant exploitation played at a Neolithic site (Con Co Ngua, ceramic context dated to 5000 years BP) in Vietnam, we measured the 13C in apatite from human teeth at this site as well as from a nearby Metal Period site (Nui Nap), with a carbon date of 1670 years BP, where 13C and 15N from collagen were also measured. Ba:Sr ratios at both sites were determined in order to estimate the importance of marine versus agricultural food sources. Results are consistent with incipient plant exploitation at Con Co Ngua, while dietary C3 plants that might have included rice played a smaller role than at Nui Nap. Marine sources appear to be more significant at the earlier site.