EAA 2022: Abstract

For the past 20 years, strontium isotope analysis of human skeletal remains has drastically changed and improved the way archaeologists understand and interpret mobility and migration in Mexico, home to the great ancient cultures of the Maya, Aztecs, and Teotihuacan, among many others. However, widespread cultural practices that influence diet have not been meaningfully considered until recently. Nixtamalization is a process that was frequently used in the production of tortillas in ancient times and continues to be used in domestic and commercial settings today. This method adds an alkali solution of lime or wood ash to maize (corn) to enhance the nutritional value of this staple dish in Mexico. However, limestone is not easily assessable in key parts of this country, particularly in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt that runs across the central-southern region and encompasses modern-day Mexico City, the Aztec Empire, and the ancient city of Teotihuacan. Additionally, wood ash can also affect bioavailable Sr-isotope signatures when used from a non-local source. Two case studies from Teotihuacan and the Soconusco region of Mexico are presented that demonstrate the potential effect of the nixtamalization process on strontium isotope measurements of human tissue. New and recent data from the site of Teotihuacan highlights the importance of a multi-isotope approach for this region, and further research into the feasibility of using lead isotopes in Mexican migration studies is also discussed.

Strontium isotopes, Migration, Mobility, Mexico, Teotihuacan, Cultural dietary practices

Oral presentation

  Abstract (PDF)

Gina Buckley¹

Virginie Renson¹