"In this paper we investigate whether infant and childhood feeding practices influenced the imbalanced adult sex ratio reported in medieval Europe from historical and osteological evidence. First, we examine hypotheses for the observed imbalanced sex ratios in Europe and the evidence presented to support these hypotheses. We then use stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of incremental dentine in 64 first molars from adults at three medieval sites (Aulla, Badia Pozzeveri, and Montescudaio) in north-western Tuscany (11th-15th c. CE)."
"Our results show that males were exclusively breastfed for a shorter period and were weaned earlier than females in all three samples (Aulla M: 2.2 yrs, F: 2.6 yrs; Badia Pozzeveri M: 2.3 yrs, F: 3.0 yrs; Montescudaio M: 2.2 yrs, F: 2.9 yrs). In addition, both males and females consumed an isotopically similar diet early in life with greater variability during the post-weaning years."
Stable isotope analysis of incremental dentine (δ13C and δ15N) was performed on 64 first molars from adults at three medieval sites in north-western Tuscany (Aulla, Badia Pozzeveri, Montescudaio; 11th–15th c. CE) to investigate breastfeeding and weaning timing. Males were exclusively breastfed for shorter periods and weaned earlier than females at all three sites (Aulla M: 2.2 yrs, F: 2.6 yrs; Badia Pozzeveri M: 2.3 yrs, F: 3.0 yrs; Montescudaio M: 2.2 yrs, F: 2.9 yrs). Both sexes consumed isotopically similar diets early in life, with greater dietary variability during the post-weaning years. Gender differences in social roles are explored as possible influences on infant and childhood feeding practices.
Read at Medievalists.net
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]