Coca chewing in prehistoric coastal Peru: Dental evidence

Abstract

In this study, we describe the dental health of four prehistoric human populations from the southern coast of Peru, an area in which independent archaeological evidence suggests that the practice of coca-leaf chewing was relatively common. A repeated pattern of cervical-root caries accompanying root exposure was found on the buccal surfaces of the posterior dentition, coinciding with the typical placement of coca quids during mastication. To further examine the association between caries patterning and coca chewing, caries site characteristics of molar teeth were utilized as indicators for estimating the likelihood of coca chewing for adults within each of the study samples. Likelihood estimates were then compared with results of a test for coca use derived from hair samples from the same individuals. The hair and dental studies exhibited an 85.7% agreement. Thus, we have demonstrated the validity of a hard-tissue technique for identifying the presence of habitual coca-leaf chewing in ancient human remains, which is useful in archaeological contexts where hair is not preserved. These data can be used to explore the distribution of coca chewing in prehistoric times. Simultaneously, we document the dental health associated with this traditional Andean cultural practice.

Caries Through Time: An Anthropological Overview

“…The same happens in some populations from South American Andes where the carious lesions (mainly cervical ones) are much more frequent in males that preserve the ancestral habit of coca leaf chewing (Pando, 1988). This pattern has also been observed in archaeological samples (Indriati & Buikstra, 2001;Langsjöen, 1996;Pezo & Eggers, 2010;Valdivia, 1980). In Andean and Amazonian populations, it was observed higher prevalence in women who are responsible for chewing maize and manioc as a part of preparing fermentable beverages (chicha, masato, kiki -Larsen, 1997;Pezo & Eggers, 2010).…”

“…Analyses of coprolites (fossilized faeces) have shown some abrasive material such as phytolithes (microscopic silica structures contained in certain plant organs), seeds, little bone fragments and oxalate calcium crystals from some species (Larsen, 1997;Pearsall, 2000). Besides, historical and ethnographical data from several regions of the world describe the ingestion of abrasives such as ashes and clays as part of the meals (Antúnez de Mayolo, 1981;Indriati & Buikstra, 2001;Rodríguez, 2003).…”

Psychostimulants and Cognition: A Continuum of Behavioral and Cognitive Activation

“…injection or snorting, or converted back to a free base for smoking (i.e., "crack"). However, coca leaves have been used for thousands of years in Central and South America for their more modest stimulant effects (Cartmell et al, 1991;Indriati and Buikstra, 2001). Today, it is claimed that no profound illness is found in studies of modern habitual chewers of coca leaf, perhaps due to the low doses used by chewers, in contrast to the high doses given in laboratory studies or taken by addicts (Hanna, 1974).…”

Prácticas Mortuorias Wari en Marayniyoq, Valle De Ayacucho, Perú

“…En los Andes centrales, el estudio de los patrones de enterramiento se concentran principalmente en la antropología física (Allison 1984;Blom et al 1998;Carmichael 1988Carmichael , 1995Donnan y Mackey 1978;Donan y Cook 1997;Hampe 1982;Hoshower et al 1995; Indriata y Buikstra 2001;Isbell 1997b;Isla 2001;Kent y Kowta 1994;Lozada y Buikstra 2002;Nelson y Castillo 1997;Stothert 1978;Verano 1995Verano , 1997Verano , 2001Verano , 2003Zapata 1997). Para el caso de Wari (ca.…”