Stable Isotope Evidence for Animal Husbandry Practices at Prehistoric Monjukli Depe, Southern Turkmenistan

Using stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope ratios of caprine tooth enamel from the Aeneolithic site of Monjukli Depe in southern Turkmenistan, this study investigates diet and seasonal movement of livestock. The carbon isotope profiles of some of the sequentially sampled third molars indicate a supply of C3-plant-based forage year round, while the data from other teeth point to a seasonal contribution of C4 plants. Considered in combination with archaeobotanical data, the first pattern likely relates to permanent use of pasture grounds in the closer vicinity of the site. In cases of vary- ing carbon isotope ratios along the teeth, the highest δ13C values co-occurred with the lowest δ18O values. Contradicting expectations of enhanced availability of C4 plants in summer, this finding indicates larger shares of this forage in winter and a prevalence of C3 plants in summer. Among the possible explanations, stockpiling of winter forage containing C4 plants and movement into the desert fringes during winter seem more likely than the use of upland pastures in summer. The study indicates diverse feeding practices and herding into a range of consciously selected habitats and illustrates intimate knowledge of the local ecology by those who tended the animal herds.