Isotopic perspectives on slave origins and forced migration

ESR Code: 
ESR3
Supervision: 
Dr. Alistair Pike
Host Institution: 
Department of Archaeology, University of Bristol
Duration: 
3 years – starting from 1 May 2012
Deadline: 
Tuesday, 31 January 2012

This project aims to improve our understanding of slave diets and their geographical origins through the analysis of stable and radiogenic isotopes in skeletal tissues associated with the African diaspora and the transatlantic slave trade. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses will be used to reconstruct diet, and to study changing patterns in diet during the lifetime. Building on recent work strontium and oxygen isotope analyses will be carried out to try to identify geographical origins and to elucidate family or tribal groups.

In addition, micro sampling strontium within a tooth using laser ablation might provide insights into individual ’migration histories’ over the period while the enamel is forming (1-14 years). Key milestones in this project are as follows:

  1. Carbon, Nitrogen and Sulphur isotopes in bone. What were the diets of these individuals? What ethnic groupings, or geographical location can be suggested on the basis of diet (e.g. in the case of marine food consumption vs. a terrestrial based diet).
  2. Bulk Strontium and Oxygen iso- topic analysis of tooth enamel. What is the most likely geographical origin for each individual? Does the grouping of isotopic values suggest family groups, or groups from a single region?
  3. Laser-ablation Strontium isotope analysis of tooth enamel. What is the migration history of an individual (up to the age of 14)? Does this suggest a sedentary lifestyle or slaving related migrations?

The research will closely link to ESR1, ESR2, ESR4, ESR7, and ESR13.

Entry Requirements: 

Eligible applicants for this Fellowship (equivalent to a PhD position) must possess both an upper second-class degree or international equivalent and a masters degree (MA/MSc) or international equivalent in the field of anthropology, archaeology, geology, chemistry or a related field. It is further required that the degree was acquired no more than 4 years prior to the appointment. For those applicants for whom English is not their first language, an IELTS score of 6.5 in each band is required. Please note that language certificates should not be more than two years old.

For those applicants for whom English is not their first language, an IELTS score of 6.5 in each band is required. Please note that language certificates should not be more than two years old.

Further info: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/pg/admissions-statements/2012artpgr.html

Mobility Requirement: 

At the time of the selection, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the appointment.

Financial Regime: 

The fellowship covers tuition fees and monthly salary in line with the FP7-PEOPLE-2010-ITN. The fellowship also offers mobility, travel and career exploratory allowances.