Spatial Distribution of Stable Isotope Values of Human Hair

In this chapter, the authors lay out basic concepts related to hair and isotope incorporation, as well as known spatial patterns that provide the basis for human provenancing. They consider it is of uttermost importance that researchers considering these analyses understand how hair records the isotopic signals related to diet, drinking water and geographical environment. The overall high content of C, N, S, O and H; the high stability that translates into high rates of preservation; and the continuous growth pattern of hair make it a great candidate for stable isotope analysis. The authors discuss patterns at the individual level related to metabolic states that can change the expected isotope ratios and also serve as a tool aiding in individual identification. The use of the “dietary isotopes” for region-of-origin assignment of humans is based on the principle that these isotopes reflect geographically distinct dietary patterns.