Estudio arqueobotánico de los residuos orgánicos adheridos en alfarerías prehispánicas de la cuenca del Paraná medio

Abstract

Plant microremains study constitutes a relatively recent national research line in archeology, with great informative potential to explore the relationships between human groups and plant resources in their environment. In Northeastern Argentina, these analyzes have begun to be applied in recent years in the lower Parana basin, but are still scarce in the middle Parana. This paper presents the first results obtained from the analysis of siliceous and starchy microremains in ceramic samples with organic residues, which came from archaeological sites located on the left bank of the middle Parana basin, in the Entre Rios province. Data suggest that the vessels contained squash ( Cucurbita moschata ), sweet potatoes ( Ipomea batatas ), probably corn ( Zea mays ), and a variable presence of grasses. These analyzes provide evidence about the use of plant resources from pre-Hispanic groups who occupied the area during the late Holocene, and contribute to discuss regional problems linked to the dietary patterns of these groups.