Minimally Destructive Bioarchaeological Approaches to Stable Isotope and Palaeo‑proteomic Techniques for Sex Estimation and Diet Reconstruction in Tropical Human Assemblages from the Metal Period Philippines (2000–1500 BP)

Chloe Boucher1*, Melandri Vlok1, Danielle Ryan1, and Mary Jane Louise Bolunia2

This paper evaluates the efficacy and reliability of minimally destructive methods for bulk carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis alongside palaeo‑proteomic sex estimation in tropical human assemblages dated to the Metal Period Philippines (2000–1500 BP). Tooth samples from Nagsabaran on mainland Luzon and from the Batanes Islands will be examined. The first phase employs a minimally destructive palaeo‑proteomic acid‑etching technique to detect sex‑dependent proteins such as amelogenin; the second phase investigates diet composition through carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis, comparing a conventional destructive collagen extraction with a novel minimally destructive water‑bath extraction. These tests assess whether the water‑bath technique yields reliable isotopic results while preserving skeletal material. Results will be analysed for differences between island and mainland diets and for correlations between sex, diet and geographic location during the Metal Period. The study aims to advance understanding of human adaptation in ancient Philippine history and to demonstrate the potential of minimally destructive bioarchaeological techniques to reduce damage to human remains in future research.