Dietary inferences through dental microwear and isotope analyses of the Lower Magdalenian individual from El Mirón Cave (Cantabria, Spain). (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: García-González, Rebeca; Carretero, José Miguel; Richards, Michael P.; Rodríguez, Laura; Quam, Rolf
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 60(2015:Aug.)
• Page Start: 28
• Page End: 38
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Hunter–gatherer diet -- Hominin -- Dental microwear -- Upper Paleolithic -- El Mirón Cave -- Cantabrian Spain; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archéologie -- Périodiques; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2015.03.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-4403

Abstract

Abstract: Dietary habits are inferred from dental microwear and isotope analyses of the Magdalenian human individual from the site of El Mirón, dated to 15, 460 ± 40 BP. The pattern of dental microwear was established on the buccal surface of the lower fourth premolar and on the bottom of facet 9 on the occlusal surface of the lower third molar. The results obtained through analysis of different surfaces are consistent and indicate a mixed diet for this Lower Magdalenian individual, including meat, aquatic resources and vegetables. These results are in agreement with those obtained through isotope analysis. This implies a generalized exploitation of the environment as has been previously established in other Late Upper Palaeolithic specimens. Highlights: We infer diet in the Red Lady through dental microwear and isotopic analysis. Results from both independent approaches are consistent. Lower Magdalenian individual form El Mirón Cave consumed a mixed diet, implying a generalized exploitation of the environment.