Lead isotope ratios (206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb) are used with increasing frequency in archaeological science to track the movement of animals, including humans. Like other isotopes used for sourcing, including strontium and oxygen, lead isotope ratios from bone and tooth enamel apatite can be matched to known lead sources in local bedrock, thereby identifying the original place of origin of humans/fauna. The application of lead isotope tracing in mobility studies allows archaeologists to address questions pertaining to seasonal migrations, immigration, trade, communication, and other cross-regional interactions.
