Date of Award
2005
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program
Anthropology
Supervisor
Christine White
Second Advisor
Fred Longstaffe
Abstract
This thesis explores the socio-economic complexity of ancient Maya culture at Chau Hiix, Belize through a stable isotope study of diet and migration. Stable carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotope compositions of the bones and teeth of individuals from the Early Classic to Historic periods were obtained. There were significant changes in diet with time; in general, δ13Ccoι and δ13Csc values increased and δ15N and A13Csc-col values decreased. These changes are interpreted to indicate a shift in the major protein component of the diet, from terrestrial animal and/or freshwater resources to reef resources. This shift reflects increased associations between inland and coastal sites during the Postclassic period. Temporal trends in diet at Chau Hiix were similar to those at nearby Lamanai, but Chau Hiix diet was distinct during all time periods. The difference in diet between Chau Hiix and Lamanai during all time periods suggests that the Chau Hiix burials were not pilgrims from Lamanai, but rather permanent occupants of Chau Hiix. Stable oxygen isotope compositions suggest that some of the individuals buried in special contexts were born elsewhere, but that the majority of individuals from all time periods prior to the Protohistoric Historic period were born in the general area of Chau Hiix. This thesis also explores several methodological and theoretical issues related to stable isotope analyses of diet and migration. Most notably, δ13C values obtained using the MultiPrep carbonate method were determined to be accurate, but δ18O values may or may not be accurate, depending on characteristics of the sample.
Recommended Citation
Metcalfe, Jessica Z., "DIET AND MIGRATION AT CHAU HIIX, BELIZE: A STUDY OF STABLE CARBON, NITROGEN, AND OXYGEN ISOTOPES" (2005). Digitized Theses. 5081.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/5081