Diet and residential mobility within the Late Classic elite Maya households of Chinikiha, Chiapas, Mexico

This paper provides new information about the social structure of the Late Classic (ad 600–800) Maya by using stable isotope analysis to analyze dietary practices and migration histories of 22 elite individuals from three residential compounds at the archaeological site of Chinikiha in Chiapas, Mexico. The research assess whether intra-elite social differentiation was practiced through consumptive practices and simultaneously explores residential histories of individuals in the sample. Diet is determined by carbon- and nitrogen-stable isotope analysis of both bones and teeth; residential mobility is studied by stable oxygen isotope analysis. The results find no significant differences in stable isotope values between the sexes, between residential compounds, or between individuals with different burial treatments. However, children may have had diets with higher maize consumption than adults. Additionally, three individuals with childhood locations outside of Chinikiha are identified. This study contributes a nuanced understanding of the social structure of the ancient Maya elite, and at least in the case of Chinikiha, suggests minimal intra-household status differentiation in terms of diet.