Problems with Strontium Isotopic Proveniencing in Denmark?

Abstract

A recent study by Thomsen and Andreasen (2019) has induced a negative reaction to the usefulness of strontium isotope proveniencing. Although there are higher strontium isotope values in the landscape of Denmark, Thomsen and Andreasen are not correct about the impact of this finding on studies of prehistoric mobility. Several case studies identify such “hotspots” in the landscape and help evaluate their consequences for identifying non-local individuals. In sum, (1) there are small areas of higher strontium isotope values in Denmark, (2) surface water is not a reliable proxy for baseline information on local strontium isotope sources, and (3) strontium isotope proveniencing remains a very useful method for identifying non-local individuals.