Ref ID:	23993
Ref Type:	Book Section
Authors:	Budda, P. Montgomery, B. L. J. Rainbird, Paul Thomas, R. G. Young, S. M. M.
Title:	Pb and Sr isotope composition of human dental enamel: an indicator of Pacific islander population dynamics
Date:	1999
Source:	Le Pacifique de 5000 à 2000 avant le présent
Place of Publication:	Paris
Publisher:	Institut de Recherche pour le Développement
Abstract:	Current research is outlined which uses measurements of radiogenic isotopes of lead and strontium in teeth to determine the source of human in vivo exposure to these elements. The primary aim of the project is, for the first time, to identify first generation migrants amongst archaeological populations of the Pacific. In order to decide whether any human individual was a migrant to a particular island and the direction of any migration, archaeologists have previously relied on a combination of stylistic and linguistic patterns together with oral tradition. This project will pioneer the use of Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) in the study of the movement of human populations across the Pacific, focusing on the problems associated with so-called Polynesian Outlier populations. Measurements will be made on the radiogenic isotopes of strontium and lead within the enamel layers of archaeologically-derived human dental remains. By comparison between these measurements and the database of geological measurements made on Polynesian Islands it will be possible to comment directly on the mobility of prehistoric island populations.
Date Created:	11/8/2006
Editors:	Galipaud, Jean-Christophe Lilley, Ian
Page Start:	301
Page End:	311