ANALISIS ISOTOP STABIL DALAM PENYELIDIKAN ARKEOLOGI DI MALAYSIA: PRINSIP DAN APLIKASI

STABLE ISOTOPE ANALYSIS IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN MALAYSIA: PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Abstrak

Analisis isotop stabil merupakan kaedah yang signifikan dalam arkeologi, yang dapat membantu dalam penilaian mengenai diet, migrasi dan adaptasi manusia pada masa lalu. Makalah ini membincangkan prinsip serta aplikasi analisis isotop stabil, dengan penekanan terhadap potensinya dalam kajian arkeologi di Malaysia. Beberapa konsep penting seperti nisbah isotop, fraksionasi dan penggunaan piawaian antarabangsa diperjelaskan. Aplikasi isotop karbon, nitrogen, oksigen, dan strontium dihuraikan secara terperinci: isotop karbon membezakan antara pengambilan tumbuhan C3 dan C4, isotop nitrogen menentukan aras trofik serta keseimbangan antara sumber makanan marin dan darat, isotop oksigen menelusuri corak migrasi dan sumber air, manakala isotop strontium mendedahkan asal usul geologi dan corak mobiliti. Potensi penggunaan kaedah ini dalam penyelidikan arkeologi di Malaysia turut diterokai, termasuklah penilaian terhadap kajian terdahulu dan cadangan hala tuju penyelidikan masa hadapan. Dengan menggabungkan analisis isotop stabil, pemahaman yang lebih komprehensif mengenai diet, biologi dan penyesuaian manusia masa lampau di Malaysia dapat dicapai, seterusnya melengkapkan data arkeologi yang konvensional. Cadangan turut dikemukakan untuk membangunkan pangkalan data isotop serantau dan memperluaskan aplikasi teknik isotop pada tinggalan arkeologi dari Semenanjung Malaysia bagi memudahkan kajian perbandingan serta membuka ruang bagi penemuan baharu mengenai cara hidup masyarakat terdahulu di rantau ini.

Kata kunci: Isotop stabil, arkeologi, Malaysia

Abstract

Stable isotope analysis is a significant method in archaeology that aids in evaluating past human diet, migration, and adaptation. This paper discusses the principles and applications of stable isotope analysis, with a focus on its potential in Malaysian archaeological research. Key concepts such as isotope ratios, fractionation, and the use of international standards are explained. The applications of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and strontium isotopes are elaborated in detail: carbon isotopes differentiate between the consumption of C3 and C4 plants, nitrogen isotopes determine trophic levels and the balance between marine and terrestrial food sources, oxygen isotopes trace migration patterns and water sources, while strontium isotopes reveal geological origins and mobility patterns. The potential for applying these methods in Malaysian archaeological research is explored, including an evaluation of previous studies and suggestions for future research directions. By incorporating stable isotope analysis, a more comprehensive understanding of past human diets, biology, and adaptations in Malaysia can be achieved, complementing conventional archaeological data. Recommendations are also made for developing a regional isotopic database and expanding the application of isotope techniques to archaeological remains from Peninsular Malaysia, which would facilitate comparative studies and open new avenues for discoveries about the lifeways of past communities in the region. 

Keywords: Stable isotope, archaeology, Malaysia