| Abstract: |
Since more than a decade, the trace element content of archaeological human bones is analyzed by physical anthropologists. Some of these elements give clues to the diets of ancient populations, others serve in estimating weaning age and the length of the active reproductive time span in human females. Therefore, trace element analysis becomes very important for palaeodemography and palaeoecology. On the other hand, a lot of basic research still has to be carried out, especially concerning the alteration of trace element concentrations in ancient bones either by soil processes or by microorganisms. The lack of reference series is obvious. Recommendations for the techniques to be applied are given, the parameters which may bias the interpretation of the data are discussed and the diagnostic potential of trace element analysis is demonstrated.
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