Trace Element Analysis of Teeth From Pre-Columbian Population Groups in México

Abstract

Human teeth from pre-Columbian and recent population groups have been analyzed by PIXE. Ancient teeth corresponding to children and adults were obtained from archaeological burials located in five geographic areas of Mexico. Inter-specific and inter-site differences in the trace element contents of enamel were compared in order to get some insight into differences in diet, environmental conditions, teeth health, disease state and post mortem alteration among the co-occurring populations. For permanent teeth from adults, small variations in trace element levels were found depending on the collection site or tooth health, but for deciduous teeth from children, the concentration of elements such as Mn, Fe and Sr varied considerably, hi this work, the possible sources of variation are discussed. Keywords: PIXE, Teeth, Archaeology, pre-Columbian, Mexico. 501 Int. J. PIXE 1999.09:501-508. Downloaded from www.worldscientific.com by NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY on 08/25/15. For personal use only. Int. J. PIXE 1999.09:501-508. Downloaded from www.worldscientific.com by NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY on 08/25/15. For personal use only.

X-rays for Archaeology

“…Modern lead sources are environment and pottery. A similar study on a set of Mexican pre-Hispanic teeth and modern teeth of children and adults to get more insights about environmental conditions, diet, teeth health, diseases and post-mortem alteration among populations was carried out [64]. Mean values of manganese, iron, zinc, strontium and calcium contents for each group were reported.…”