Abstract
We present the results of a palaeodietary study of a skeletal sample (similar to 800-300 BP) from the south coast of Papua New Guinea (Nebira, site ACJ) using multiple stable isotope analysis of bone collagen. The carbon, nitrogen and sulphur stable isotope ratios of 28 individuals (n = 12 males, n = 13 females and n = 3 subadults) suggested the diet at Nebira was based on C-3 plants (likely starchy vegetable staples) and included protein resources from the surrounding forested areas and C-3/C-4 savannah grasslands such as wallaby and other wild animals. Domestic species (e.g. Sus scrota, Canis familiaris and Gallus gallus) may also have been consumed but could not be differentiated from wild species by stable isotope analysis. There were no significant differences in stable isotope values between males and females, but the delta S-34 values of the juveniles suggest they may have consumed varied protein resources. The sulphur stable isotope ratios indicate there was no discernable marine component in the diet of any of the individuals from Nebira. The stable isotope results are interpreted within a wider context of Papuan south coast trade and exchange systems in an attempt to understand local interaction in the region. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.