Isotopic data for bioarchaeological samples from Polynesia (pre-Contact and modern periods)

Two datasets are presented in this paper, one from archaeologically-derived human remains and one from modern plants and animals. First, isotopic data (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δ³⁴S, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) along with some radiocarbon dates from archaeologically-derived bone and teeth from individuals buried in pre-Contact Tonga and Fiji are provided. The second dataset is comprised of modern plant and animal samples (n = 27) collected from the island of Atiu (Cook Islands). δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N data from these samples are presented, and this data is integrated with other datasets to provide an aggregated tropical Pacific dietary baseline for paleodietary studies in this region. First collected to explore the interactions between diet, mobility, social status, and the physical environment, the archaeologically-derived samples are from two Polynesian islands. From the Tongan island of Tongatapu, two burial mounds designated To-At-1 and To-At-2 and collectively called 'Atele, are radiocarbon dated to the Complex Centralized Chiefdom period (c. 500-150 BP). The second collection is from the coastal site of Bourewa in the Republic of Fiji, dated to the Vuda Phase (c. 750-150 BP). From these human remains the following tissues and isotopes were analyzed: bone and dentine collagen analysis of δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C (n = 81) as well as δ³⁴S where collagen yield was large enough (n = 37), tooth enamel ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (n = 47), and radiocarbon dates to supplement the relative dating of the burial sites (n = 16). The human data provides a relatively large dataset (for the region) to compare to other contemporaneous sites to consider intra- and inter-island dietary practices and consider movement in the wider region (while being mindful of issues with interpretation). The amalgamated dietary baseline has utility for placing archaeological and ecological samples within the tropic Pacific foodweb.