Examining prehistoric diet at Tung Wan Tsai, Ma Wan Island, Hong Kong through stable isotope analysis

In this study we describe some of the earliest human bone collagen delta C-13 and delta N-15 values from the Lingnan region in Southeast Asia. The samples (n = 10) derive from skeletal remains recovered from the Tung Wan Tsai site in Hong Kong and date to the Late Neolithic Period (ca. 2200-1500 BC). Our results show that the earliest inhabitants of Hong Kong relied heavily on marine resources, specializing particularly in high-trophic species. As organic preservation tends to generally be poor in the region, the successful extraction and analysis of collagen from these individuals has provided a rare glimpse into the everyday life of Neolithic Hong Kong and also provided an important foundation for future research.

Automated summary

This study examines the earliest human bone collagen delta C-13 and delta N-15 values from the Lingnan region in Southeast Asia. The results indicate that the earliest inhabitants of Hong Kong heavily relied on marine resources, particularly high-trophic species. The successful analysis of collagen from these individuals provides valuable insights into the everyday life of Neolithic Hong Kong and establishes an important foundation for future research.