Trace-elemental and multi-isotopic (Sr-Nd-Pb) discrimination of jade in the circum-Caribbean: Implications for pre-colonial inter-island exchange networks

Dense and strong, hydrothermal-metasomatic jadeitite jadeite-omphacite rocks were used as tools adornments throughout the wider Caribbean since initial inhabitation. Regionally, rich sources of jade are known only in Guatemala (north south Motagua Fault Zone), eastern Cuba northern Dominican Republic, establishing that humans transported jadeitic material over vast distances. This study validates geochemical fingerprinting is a viable provenance method for pre-colonial lithologies. An assemblage 101 source has been characterised trace element combined Sr-Nd-Pb isotope compositions. Four statistical approaches (Principal Component Analysis, t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbour Embedding, Decision Tree, Multiclass Regression) assessed, employing source-distinct ratios. A multiclass regression technique based on ratios immobile high field strength, light to medium rare earth fluid-mobile, large-ion-lithophile elements shown be most effective discriminating four regions. Ninety-one % Guatemalan samples can discriminated from Cuban using La/Th, Zr/Hf Y/Th Jadeitic cropping out Republic distinguished jades Er/Yb, Nb/Ta Ba/Rb with 71% certainty. Furthermore, two sources, north Zone, by (among others) Zr/Hf, Ta/Th, La/Sm Dy/Y an 89% success rate. raises possibility determining, detail, former trading mobility networks between different islands Meso- Central American mainland within Greater Caribbean. The was applied 19 celts excavated Late Ceramic Age Playa Grande archaeological site Republic. Three artefacts derived source, indicating that, despite 25 km, traded Guatemala. presence lithic provides further evidence large scale (>3000 km), regional indigenous knowledge transfer networks.