Archaeology: Isotope Analysis

Write a 1-page response (single-spaced, 12-point font) to the following prompt. Direct quotes and paraphrasing of the article or textbook should be cited using the following format (authors year:page# or Pearson et al. 2015: 72, it’s ok to abbreviate textbook citations to RB 2012:485). A separate reference sheet is not needed. 

Analytical techniques from material science have revolutionized many types of archaeological research, but we are often still dependent on traditional archaeological concepts and methods to make sense of material science data.

Read the linked paper on isotope analysis of animal and human remains at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük. In your paper, very briefly state the authors’ conclusions and then answer the following questions:

1. What sort of baseline research is required for the authors’ to make sense of the patterns in the isotope data derived from skeletal remains? Does the baseline data required differ for humans and animals? Why or why not? 

2. How is an understanding of formation processes and the concept of archaeological context used to make sense of the results the isotope studies?

Do not get bogged down in explaining how the isotopic studies work. We’re most interested in how the authors use an understanding of the Çatalhöyük archaeological record to interpret the results.