Buccal Dental Microwear and Diet of the Sunghir Upper Paleolithic Modern Humans

Buccal microwear analysis of the deciduous molars of Sunghir 3 provides a moderate density of striations and suggests a mixed diet. The permanent teeth of Sunghir 1 to 3 present a low density of microwear, in agreement with the minimal occlusal wear of Sunghir 2 but in contrast with the more advanced wear of Sunghir 1 and 3. The Sunghir 1 and 2 scratches imply mixed diets; those of Sunghir 3 suggest a more carnivorous one. These results are in agreement with bone chemistry and stable isotope data and with the resources likely present near Sunghir.