Special Issue: Integrating Chemical Isotopes and Critical Theory in Bioarchaeology
Special Issue Editors: Sara L. Juengst and Matthew C. Velasco

Published: 2024-06-28

Editorial: Ethical Guidelines and Policies of Bioarchaeology International

Siân Halcrow, Gwen Robbins Schug, Sabrina Agarwal, Brenda Baker

1–3

Abstract

An editorial by Co-Editors-In-Chief, Siân Halcrow and Gwen Robbins Schug, and Founding Co-Editors-In-Chief, Sabrina Agarwal and Brenda Baker

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Social Theory in Isotope Bioarchaeology

Case Studies and Prospects

Matthew C. Velasco, Sara L. Juengst

4–8

Abstract

Introduction to the Special Issue

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Exploring Intersectional Identities and Geographic Origins in Ancient Nubia at Tombos, Sudan

Michele R. Buzon, Kari A. Guilbault, Antonio Simonetti

9–22

Abstract

As part of an intersectional investigation of changes in identity and lifeways during sociopolitical changes in the
ancient Nile Valley,...

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An Investigation of Identity and Ontology at Salango, Ecuador (BCE 100–300 CE)

Combining Paleopathological, Mortuary, and Stable Isotopic Analyses

Sara L. Juengst, Richard Lunniss, Y. Zindy Cruz, Emilie M. Cobb, Abigail Bythell

23–44

Abstract

Bioarchaeologists have increasingly investigated social identities of past peoples, engaging with theory from a
variety of sources,...

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Heavenly Meals and Humble Hearts

Foodways in a Jesuit Context in Spanish Colonial New Granada and Early Republican Colombia

Julie K. Wesp, Melanie J. Miller, Daniela Trujillo Hassan, Felipe Gaitán Ammann

45–62

Abstract

This research explores how bone isotopic data (δ13C, δ15N), in combination with analyses of dental...

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Gender across Generations

Childhood Food Practices as Socialization Processes in Ancient China

Melanie J. Miller, Siân E. Halcrow, Bowen Yang, Yu Dong, Kate Pechenkina, Wenquan Fan

63–84

Abstract

Food is a biological imperative as well as a core material that humans use in socializing ourselves, and the
things we choose to consume...

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Embodied Places

Theorizing Locality, Identity, and Isotopes in the Ancient Andes

Matthew C. Velasco, George D. Kamenov, John Krigbaum

85–103

Abstract

Bioarchaeologists routinely use isotopic data to classify the geographic origin of skeletal individuals as “local”
or “nonlocal” using...

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Beyond “Non-Local”

Biogeochemical and Morphological Approaches to Examining Diverse Migrant Experiences in Epiclassic Central Mexico

Sofía I. Pacheco-Forés, Christopher Morehart

104–122

Abstract

While biogeochemical analyses of residential history have revolutionized the study of paleomobility, the monolithic categories of “local” and...

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Reconciling Identity Narratives

Creating Collaborative Space with Isotopic Baselines

Emily B.P. Milton, Jordi A. Rivera Prince, Melina Seabrook

123–138

Abstract

Isotopic methods have provided breakthrough insights into bioarchaeological identity studies, yet merit more critical theoretical perspectives....

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"How to Do a Good Job of Body Snatching"

Historicizing Radiogenic and Stable Isotopic Studies

Pamela L. Geller

139–147

Abstract

To situate the contributions in this special issue, I historicize the isotopic study of ancient bodies. I begin with radiocarbon...

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Approaching Identity, Locality, and Community in Isotope Bioarchaeology

Bethany L. Turner

148–162

Abstract

Each contribution to this special issue represents an emergent effort to explicitly situate isotopic research within the theoretical...

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