Microbotanical and chemical approach to grave goods content from Inca sacrifices (capacocha) at Llullaillaco Mountain, Salta, Argentina (ca. 1430–1520 ce)

Abstract

Here, we report an archaeometrical study of seven grave goods from the Inca sacrifice at Lullallalico Mountain (ca. 1430–1520 ce) in search of microbotanical and chemical evidence of the content. Two queros (vessels), one aribalo (jar), one aisana (pot), and three textile bags were analyzed by optical microscopy and scanning electronic microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX). The results show significant chemical data and starches of Cucurbita, Oxalis, Fabaceae, Zea mays, Manihot esculenta, and Phaseolus. This archaeometrical evidence is discussed along with various perspectives on the capacocha ceremony to show that foreign and local identities were negotiated in this Andean mountain ritual.