![]() ![]() We also analyzed 11 human bone samples from two other Neolithic/Chalcolithic sites in southern Portugal: Sobreira de Cima (n = 5) 14 where cinnabar also was identified with human burials 15 and Monte Canelas I (n = 6 from three individuals) where no cinnabar was found associated with the burials 16. We analyzed a total of 37 samples of human bone, five animal bones and eight soil samples from Perdigões. Total mercury (THg) analysis of the bone was included as part of this study as significant variation in mercury exposure among individuals, presumably caused by differences in primary diets 13, could also provide suitable data to test this hypothesis. Our initial objective was to determine if variation in light stable isotopes values (δ 15N and δ 13C) in human bone, which reflect diet (trophic level, plus marine versus terrestrial diets 5, 6) and latitude, as well as photosynthetic pathways of plant food 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, would also support this ‘mobility’ hypothesis. Preliminary analysis of strontium isotopes from human teeth supports this hypothesis 2. One of the main hypotheses under investigation, referred to as the ‘mobility’ hypothesis, is that Perdigões was used by diverse groups from distant as well as local populations in Iberia. Ongoing investigations at this site since 1997 have resulted in a multinational research program, the Global Program of Archaeological Research of Perdigões, to test hypotheses on the use and function of this site. The site functioned for ceremonial gatherings and for deposition of human and animal remains and offerings, often with ochre and/or cinnabar in association 1, 2 it also served as a celestial calendar 3, 4. 1) that was an important gathering place for over 1000 years (3400–2100 B.C.). Perdigões is a Neolithic/Chalcolithic ditched enclosure site near Évora, south-central Portugal ( Fig. Our methods have applications to bioarchaeological investigations worldwide and for tracking trade routes and mobility of prehistoric populations where cinnabar use is documented. ![]() We traced Hg in two individuals to cinnabar deposits near Almadén, Spain and conclude that use of this mineral likely caused mild to severe mercury poisoning in the prehistoric population. ![]() We use light stable isotope and Hg stable isotope tracking to test three hypotheses on the origin of mercury in this prehistoric human bone. Here, we report moderate to high levels of total mercury (THg) in human bone from three Late Neolithic/Chalcolithic (5400–4100 B.P.) sites in southern Portugal that were likely caused by cultural use of cinnabar. Mercury from cinnabar can also be absorbed through the gut and skin, where it can accumulate in organs and bone. Processing cinnabar via combustion releases Hg 0 vapor that can be toxic if inhaled. It has been mined prehistorically and historically in China, Japan, Europe and the Americas to extract metallic mercury (Hg 0) for use in metallurgy, as a medicinal, a preservative and as a red pigment for body paint and ceramics. Cinnabar is a natural mercury sulfide (HgS) mineral of volcanic or hydrothermal origin that is found worldwide. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |