A veritable confusion

Use and abuse of isotope analysis in archaeology

Bibliographic Data

ID11613126
AuthorsR Madgwick (0000-0002-4396-3566, Cardiff University, corresponding author), Angela L Lamb (0000-0003-1809-4327, National Environmental Isotope Facility, British Geological Survey, Keyworth, UK), Hilary Sloane (National Environmental Isotope Facility, British Geological Survey, Keyworth, UK), Hilary J Sloane (0000-0001-7965-5429, British Geological Survey), Alexandra Nederbragt (Cardiff University), Alexandra J Nederbragt (0000-0002-8305-0075, Cardiff University), U Albarella (0000-0001-5092-0532, University of Sheffield), Mike Parker Pearson (0000-0002-7341-121X, Institute of Archaeology, University College London, London, UK), Jane Evans (0000-0003-3667-494X, National Environmental Isotope Facility, British Geological Survey, Keyworth, UK)
Year2021
Volume178
Issue2
Pages361-385
Publication date2021-05-18
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueArchaeological Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0066-5983 • E-ISSN: 2373-2288
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00665983.2021.1911099
OpenAlexW3160734242
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited80

The expansion of isotope analyses has transformed the study of past migration and mobility, sometimes providing unexpected and intriguing results. This has, in turn, led to media attention (and concomitant misrepresentation) and scepticism from some archaeologists. Such scepticism is healthy and not always without foundation. Isotope analysis is yet to reach full maturity and challenging issues remain, concerning diagenesis, biosphere mapping resolution and knowledge of the drivers of variation. Bold and over-simplistic interpretations have been presented, especially when relying on single isotope proxies, and researchers have at times been accused of following specific agendas. It is therefore vital to integrate archaeological and environmental evidence to support interpretation. Most importantly, the use of multiple isotope proxies is key: isotope analysis is an exclusive approach and therefore single analyses provide only limited resolution. The growth in isotope research has led to a growth in rebuttals and counter-narratives. Such rebuttals warrant the same critical appraisal that is applied to original research, both of evidence for their assertions and the potential for underlying agendas. This paper takes a case study-based approach focusing on pig movements to Neolithic henge complexes to explore the dangers encountered in secondary use of isotope data

Archaeology · Epistemology · Interpretation (philosophy · Isotope analysis · Misrepresentation · Political science · Skepticism · Warrant · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Computer Science · Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · Geology · History · Law · Philosophy · Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology