Stable Isotopes of the Mariana Islands

Abstract

This dataset presents stable isotope data from three foundational studies of the Mariana Islands (Western Pacific), including: Ambrose et al., 1997; McGovern-Wilson and Quinn, 1996; and Pate et al., 2001. Sampling archaeological human skeletal remains from Guam (n = 5), Saipan (n = 19), and Rota (n = 22), the authors utilized carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses to reconstruct the dietary patterns of Chamorro populations during the Pre-Latte and Latte Periods, although the majority of the burials derived from the latter. The findings indicate that Chamorro subsistence strategies consisted of terrestrial, reef, and open ocean proteins as well as a possible consumption of sugarcane. There is weak evidence of socioeconomic differences, with some high status individuals reflecting greater marine protein consumption, however, further research must be done for definitive conclusions.

Keywords

• carbon
• nitrogen
• Mariana Islands
• Micronesia
• Oceania
• Latte Period
• Pre-Latte Period
• Chamorro