Stable isotope analysis of human remains from the Early Contact Period site of La Capilla del Niño Serranito at La Capilla de Santa María Magdalena de Eten

Oxygen and carbon stable isotope analyses of bone and tooth enamel carbonate were conducted on a subset of the burial population (n = 17) of the La Capilla de El Niño Serranito of the La Capilla Santa María Magdalena de Eten site in the Lambayeque Valley of Peru. The individuals sampled display oxygen stable isotope (δ18Odw(V-SMOW) ) values consistent with higher altitude δ 18Odw(V-SMOW) levels. Carbon stable isotope (δ13C(VPDB)) values for the individuals sampled are consistent with C4 and potentially marine-based food sources. The results of the stable isotope analyses, when combined with elements from the site-specific archaeological and bioarchaeological data, provide a more comprehensive view of the lives and identities of the individuals examined