Soichiro KUSAKA
Principal Investigator
Associate Professor, School of Humanities, Tokai University
Reconstructing prehistoric subsistence and society from human skeletal remains is a difficult challenge. Using a technique of stable isotope analysis on human bones, we will examine the dietary habits of prehistoric population. In addition, by examining strontium isotopes in the teeth, we will attempt to detect individuals who have migrated between populations. By also examining the radiocarbon ages of the bones, we will follow the transition of diet and subsistence through time. We hope to contribute to the construction of an integrated bioarchaeology by analyzing materials excavated from various parts of the Japanese Archipelago in cooperation with other research groups.
Team Members and Research Themes
- Kazuhiro SAKAUE (Head of the Division, Division of Human Evolution, Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Nature and Science): Physical Anthropology, Forensic anthropology
- Mai TAKIGAMI (Curator, Division of Human Evolution, Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Nature and Science): Isotopic Ecology, Radiocarbon dating
Outline of Research
This research group will receive research materials from Group A01, conduct radiocarbon dating, carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis, and strontium isotope analysis of the materials, and provide feedback on the results. The group will conduct its own research by sampling human skeletal remains excavated from each site, conducting dating and several isotope analysis, to reveal the dietary habits of prehistoric people and human migrations. The research materials for dating and isotope analysis are not limited to those in research group A01, but will be provided as needed for each research group.
