Maize (Zea mays) consumption in the southern andes (30°–31° S. Lat): Stable isotope evidence (2000 BCE–1540 CE)

Abstract

The popularization of maize in the SARNC was not associated with the appearance of pottery and/or sedentism, and its role as a dietary staple was a late phenomenon (c.a. 1,000CE). The results obtained in this study show that the adoption and consumption of maize varied dramatically in the Southern Andes.

Skeletal Stress Markers and Subsistence Strategy in Prehistoric Chilean Populations of the Semi-Arid North

“…In general, coastal groups demonstrate a more enriched nitrogen signature, indicating a consistent exploitation of seafood, and with a continuation of a hunting and gathering (versus maize farming) subsistence is suggested during the Early Ceramic period, and there is a decrease in overall diet variability for interior groups during the Diaguita-Inka period (Becker et al 2015). These results suggest that sedentism and agriculture did not begin until the Diaguita period, a conclusion shared by other recent contributions including Alfonso-Durruty et al (2016).…”

“…For these prehistoric populations from the semiarid north of Chile, the addition of agriculture to exploitation of marine resources did not significantly alter most measured stress markers. It is possible these results are due to the relatively smaller importance of maize in the diet as demonstrated by stable isotope analysis (Alfonso-Durruty et al 2016;Becker et al 2015). Further, it is clear that the seeming correlation of fewer skeletal stress markers to marine subsistence is not universally demonstrated for all coastal groups.…”

“…Analyses of stable isotopes 13 C and 15 N led to the conclusion that maize did not become important until the Late Intermediate period in all Diaguita groups examined, and inland Diaguita groups demonstrated enriched nitrogen values, indicating more reliance on camelids as part of the diet (Alfonso-Durruty et al 2016). Further, comparisons between these results and others from the Americas reveal that maize consumption was not as important of a contributor to the diet in the semi-arid north as it was elsewhere (Alfonso-Durruty et al 2016). A recent publication by Alfonso-Durruty et al (2019) has found similar results for Northern Chile (i.e., the Atacama region) during the Late Intermediate period, indicating that the dietary trend towards reliance on marine and camelid resources with a moderated addition of maize was widespread.…”

“…Archaeological evidence suggests that subsistence was on three fronts: (1) maize-beanssquash agriculture, (2) maritime food collecting, and (3) pastoralism with domesticated llamas or guanacos (Ampuero 1994;Quevedo et al 1982;Troncoso 1998). In addition, recent stable isotope evidence indicates that maize was not relied upon as a main dietary staple to the extent that it was in other areas (Alfonso-Durruty et al 2016).…”

“…The primary question being examined was when maize first appeared, given recent research suggesting the understanding about the timing of sedentary agriculture in the region may need revision (Méndez et al 2009;. Analyses of stable isotopes 13 C and 15 N led to the conclusion that maize did not become important until the Late Intermediate period in all Diaguita groups examined, and inland Diaguita groups demonstrated enriched nitrogen values, indicating more reliance on camelids as part of the diet (Alfonso-Durruty et al 2016). Further, comparisons between these results and others from the Americas reveal that maize consumption was not as important of a contributor to the diet in the semi-arid north as it was elsewhere (Alfonso-Durruty et al 2016).…”