Parental investment as social agency and catalyst to complexity. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scharlotta, Ian; Bazaliiskii, Vladimir I.; Weber, Andrzej W.
• Is Part Of: Archaeological research in Asia. Volume 28(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: FRUITS -- Cis-Baikal -- Siberia -- Complex hunter-gatherers -- Weaning; Archaeology -- Research -- Asia -- Periodicals; Asia -- Antiquities -- Periodicals; 930.1095
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ara.2021.100322
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-2267

Abstract

Abstract: Re -examination of the relationships between diets as inferred isotopically and grave goods in light of new data has revealed the importance of parental investment for Early Neolithic populations in Cis-Baikal, Siberia. The Kitoi Culture developed and maintained a flexible but expensive broad-spectrum subsistence strategy. Moderately high extrinsic risk factors produced periodic famines and metabolic stress evidence in skeletons. The small-scale efforts of parents to support their offspring through increased breast milk and plant food provisioning led to a restructuring of subsistence priorities with ramifications for group structuring over the course of centuries.