Pradier, Baptiste, Nafplioti, Argyro, Turchyn, Alexandra V., Bradbury, Harold J., Cooper, Matthew J., Htwe Oo, Daw Kay, Naing Oo, U. Saw, Willis, Anna, Valentin, Frédérique, and Pryce, T.O. (2025) Mobility patterning during the Neolithic and the Bronze Age in north-central Myanmar. Journal of Archaeological Science, 184. 106418.

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Abstract

This study examines patterns of human mobility between two archaeological sites in north-central Myanmar during the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age (late 2nd to early 1st millennium BC). By analysing strontium isotope ratios in an interindividual as well as an intraindividual approach, we reveal that individual mobility was more pronounced during the Neolithic period (larger range of strontium isotope ratios), likely linked to the exploitation of a broader subsistence area. In contrast, the Bronze Age shows a shift towards smaller mobility, with the majority of individuals exhibiting local strontium isotopic compositions. Notably, a small number of individuals with distinct strontium isotopic signatures were associated with unique funerary practices. We discuss the implications of these findings in relation to subsistence strategies and cultural transformations between the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. This research offers valuable insights into mobility, subsistence, and social dynamics in late prehistoric Myanmar, contributing to broader discussions within the contexts of Mainland Southeast Asia and southern China.

Item ID:	89644
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1095-9238
Keywords:	Strontium isotope; Southeast Asia; Myanmar; Neolithic; Bronze age
Copyright Information:	© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Funders:	Australian Research Council (ARC)
Projects and Grants:	ARC DE210101383
Date Deposited:	24 Nov 2025 23:50
FoR Codes:	43 HISTORY, HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGY > 4301 Archaeology > 430101 Archaeological science @ 50% 43 HISTORY, HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGY > 4301 Archaeology > 430102 Archaeology of Asia, Africa and the Americas @ 50%
SEO Codes:	13 CULTURE AND SOCIETY > 1307 Understanding past societies > 130702 Understanding Asia’s past @ 100%
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