Multi-isotope dataset of human, animal and plant samples from Africa

Abstract

This dataset compiles isotopic data from over 4,000 materials and more than 4,000 samples, integrating results from 54 references including peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and doctoral dissertations. It covers isotopic measurements of carbon (δ¹³C), nitrogen (δ¹⁵N), oxygen (δ¹⁸O), strontium (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr), and radiocarbon (¹⁴C) derived from both archaeological and modern samples across 18 African countries such as Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe. The dataset also includes individuals of African origin living in the United States, reflecting histories linked to the transatlantic slave trade. Chronologically, the dataset covers a remarkable temporal range-spanning millions of years of human and environmental history, from the late Miocene epoch to contemporary contexts.

Keywords

• Pliocene
• Pleistocene
• Holocene
• Paleoenvironment
• Paleodiet
• Paleoecology
• Mobility
• Isotopic evidence