Shifting weaning practices in Early Neolithic Cis-Baikal, Siberia: New insights from stable isotope analysis of molar micro-samples

International audienceReconstructing individual dietary histories at Shamanka II, an Early Neolithic (7000-5700cal. BP) Kitoi hunter-gatherer cemetery in Cis-Baikal, Siberia, revealed surprising intrapopulation variability in childhood diets. Stable isotope analytical data produced by micro-sampled first molars identified changes in both the timing and rate of weaning for different individuals. Further, examination within the framework of a high-resolution radiocarbon chronology identified shifting practices between two phases of cemetery use, and additional links with mortuary treatment that indicates differences relating to group and/or family structure. The differential treatment of infants, correlated with the complex hunter-gatherer social structure, and subsequent burial treatment evident at this cemetery are investigated in light of regional dietary trends