Tracing Origins of Victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Using Strontium Isoscape
Author Information
Author(s): Wang Xueye, Bocksberger Gaëlle, Arandjelovic Mimi, Agbor Anthony, Angedakin Samuel, Aubert Floris, Ayimisin Emmanuel Ayuk, Bailey Emma, Barubiyo Donatienne, Bessone Mattia, Bobe René, Bonnet Matthieu, Boucher Renée, Brazzola Gregory, Brewer Simon, Lee Kevin C., Carvalho Susana, Chancellor Rebecca, Cipoletta Chloe, Cohen Heather, Copeland Sandi R., Corogenes Katherine, Costa Ana Maria, Coupland Charlotte, Curran Bryan, de Ruiter Darryl J., Deschner Tobias, Dieguez Paula, Dierks Karsten, Dilambaka Emmanuel, Dowd Dervla, Dunn Andrew, Egbe Villard Ebot, Finckh Manfred, Fruth Barbara, Gijanto Liza, Yuh Yisa Ginath, Goedmakers Annemarie, Gokee Cameron, Gomes Coelho Rui, Goodman Alan H., Granjon Anne-Céline, Grimes Vaughan, Grueter Cyril C., Haour Anne, Hedwig Daniela, Hermans Veerle, Hernandez-Aguilar R. Adriana, Hohmann Gottfried, Imong Inaoyom, Jeffery Kathryn J., Jones Sorrel, Junker Jessica, Kadam Parag, Kambere Mbangi, Kambi Mohamed, Kienast Ivonne, Knudson Kelly J., Langergraber Kevin E., Lapeyre Vincent, Lapuente Juan, Larson Bradley, Lautenschläger Thea, le Roux Petrus, Leinert Vera, Llana Manuel, Logan Amanda, Lowry Brynn, Lüdecke Tina, Maretti Giovanna, Marrocoli Sergio, Fernandez Rumen, McNeill Patricia J., Meier Amelia C., Meller Paulina, Monroe J. Cameron, Morgan David, Mulindahabi Felix, Murai Mizuki, Neil Emily, Nicholl Sonia, Niyigaba Protais, Normand Emmanuelle, Ormsby Lucy Jayne, Diotoh Orume, Pacheco Liliana, Piel Alex, Preece Jodie, Regnaut Sebastien, Richard Francois G., Richards Michael P., Rundus Aaron, Sanz Crickette, Sommer Volker, Sponheimer Matt, Steele Teresa E., Stewart Fiona A., Tagg Nikki, Tédonzong Luc Roscelin, Tickle Alexander, Toubga Lassané, van Schijndel Joost, Vergnes Virginie, Njomen Nadege Wangue, Wessling Erin G., Willie Jacob, Wittig Roman M., Yurkiw Kyle, Zipkin Andrew M., Zuberbühler Klaus, Kühl Hjalmar S., Boesch Christophe, Oelze Vicky M.
Hypothesis
Can strontium isotope analysis help trace the origins of individuals from the transatlantic slave trade?
Conclusion
The study successfully created a strontium isoscape for sub-Saharan Africa, which can trace the origins of individuals from historic slavery contexts.
Supporting Evidence
- The study analyzed 778 environmental samples from 24 African countries.
- The strontium isoscape can help trace the origins of individuals from historic slavery contexts.
- The research fills significant gaps in the understanding of strontium isotopes in Africa.
Takeaway
Scientists created a map of strontium isotopes in Africa to help find out where enslaved people came from during the slave trade.
Methodology
The study analyzed 778 environmental samples and combined them with 1488 published data to model a strontium isoscape using random forest regression.
Limitations
The isoscape's accuracy is limited by sample coverage, particularly in regions like Mozambique, which were heavily impacted during the slave trade.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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