Refining mobility patterns at the early Neolithic cemetery of Nitra-Horné Krškany, western Slovakia: An integrated isotopic approach

Mobility has played a central role in discussions of Linearbandkeramik (LBK) social organisation, particularly sex-differentiated residence, exogamy, and the formation of early farming communities. This study reassesses mobility at the Early Neolithic cemetery of Nitra-Horné Krškany (western Slovakia), based on 50 individuals, through an expanded isotopic and chronological dataset. We present new strontium isotope measurements, including third molars, and four radiocarbon dates, integrating them with previously published isotope data and funerary evidence to refine the scale, life-course patterning, and social dimensions of mobility at Nitra and compare them with Vedrovice-Široká u lesa in neighbouring Moravia. Results confirm a homogeneous strontium isotope distribution at Nitra-Horné Krškany, with most individuals falling within the local range. However, some individuals display childhood strontium signatures outside the Nitra cluster. All individuals classified as non-local are female, suggesting that mobility was structured by sex. Third molar evidence indicates that some non-local females had not entered the Nitra isotopic environment by later childhood or adolescence, whereas another individual, who died between late adolescence and early adulthood, already shows a non-local signature in forming enamel. Female mobility occurred at different life stages. Non-local females were not differentiated from local individuals in collagen nitrogen values or grave-good categories. Comparison with Vedrovice-Široká u lesa reveals a recurrent association between female individuals and non-local strontium signatures, but differences in isotopic variability and relationships with nitrogen values and funerary assemblages. These findings support an emerging view of LBK mobility as organised through locally specific practices rather than a single uniform model.