Work

Continuation of hunter-gatherer weaning practices in middle/late Neolithic Latvia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper provides information on early life histories from two Neolithic sites in Latvia, Kreiči and Abora I, reconstructed on the basis of stable nitrogen (δ 15 N) and carbon (δ 13 C) isotope values from dentine serial sections of nine individuals. With a single possible exception, most individuals were breastfed from birth, with breastmilk lessening as the main food source after the age of 0.6–0.9 years, although some were older. Complete weaning for all individuals had occurred by approximately age 4. These results seem more consistent with the hunter-gatherer tradition of longer weaning periods and older ages at weaning completion, rather than the ‘Neolithic’ pattern of earlier weaning often thought to have accompanied the spread of early agriculture. This paper also examines differences between child and adult diets within these communities. Higher δ 15 N values for post-weaning age children suggest that they consumed more freshwater resources than adults. While there are hints of a slight decline in freshwater resources in the Late Neolithic at Abora I, this is less marked than in previously published Late Neolithic Corded Ware individuals from the site of Zvejnieki. This suggests that the process of Neolithisation was variable even within Latvia, with some communities more committed to farming and others maintaining a predominantly hunting and gathering subsistence economy.

Source: Journal of Archaeological Science Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105395

Authors: Anna Batraga, Gunita Zariņa, Andrea Czermak, Rick J. Schulting

Institutions: University of Latvia, University of Oxford

Language: English

Topic: Archaeology and ancient environmental studies

Subfield: Paleontology

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,910