Breastfeeding and Weaning Behaviour in Archaeological Populations: Evidence from the Isotopic Analysis of Skeletal Materials

Abstract Breastfeeding and weaning behaviour in prehistoric and later populations can be investigated using biomolecular studies of archaeological bones and teeth. This involves the analysis of isotope ratios which are indicative of diet. Nitrogen isotopes have been used for this purpose for some years, but there is increasing evidence to suggest that other chemical elements can be used to refine the interpretation, and that the comparison of dental and bone data can lead to an increased precision in considering weaning chronologies. This paper is intended to give an overview of why understanding infant diet in the past is important, what has been achieved so far in terms of isotope studies, and where the future may lie for this area of research. It is intended to inform about the possibilities at a general level, rather than provide a detailed description of the techniques.