Coastal but not littoral: marine resources in Nasca diet

Abstract

We examine the contribution of marine resources to the Nasca dietary economy (Early Intermediate Period, circa 100 B.C.–A.D. 600, Peruvian south coast) through ceramic iconography, settlement patterns, maritime subsistence technology, fish and shell remains, and stable isotope analysis. Each data set has limitations but, when combined, a consistent pattern emerges. Although the rich marine biomass of the Peru Current offers potential for huge food surpluses, we conclude that the Nasca use of the littoral zone was minor. This result contrasts with earlier and later subsistence patterns in the same area, and with contemporary dietary systems elsewhere along the Andean coast. This challenge to conventional wisdom on coastal economies highlights the need for new research to understand the full range of Andean adaptations, especially those which appear counterintuitive. This study also questions the notion that percentage frequencies of motifs in the iconography reflect daily realities.