Patterns of camelid management in Wari Empire reconstructed using multiple stable isotope analysis: evidence from Castillo de Huarmey, northern coast of Peru

Weronika Tomczyk,Arkadiusz Sołtysiak,Miłosz Giersz,George Kamenov,John Krigbaum

doi:10.1007/s12520-017-0590-6

Abstract

Camelid management was a major part of the Wari Empire’s (ca. ad 600–1050) economy; however, it is uncertain whether camelid husbandry was centrally regulated or locally managed. To address this problem, we applied combined isotope ratio analyses (δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr, and 20nPb/204Pb) to camelid remains from Castillo de Huarmey, a Wari administrative center along the northern Peruvian coast. Results support a mostly local herding scenario, but Sr isotopes indicate that at least three animals were non-local and most likely came from the highlands. Compared to data from two contemporary Wari sites, Cerro Baul and Conchopata, bimodal distribution of δ13C values suggest that regardless of the distinctive geographical and ecological location of these sites, two distinct foddering strategies were practiced, based on only C3 plant diet, or intermixed C3/C4 plants diet. Our data support a dimorphic husbandry model with some herds engaged in grazing on the maize stubble and some herds operating outside arable areas, possibly indicative of short-distance seasonal transhumance. The presence of non-local animals at Castillo de Huarmey underscores the site’s importance with respect to developed trade networks between the coast and the highlands.

Highlights

In the Pre-Columbian Andes, the two New World domesticated camelids, llama (Lama glama) and alpaca (Vicugna pacos), served as the primary source for meat, pelts, bone tools, and secondary source with wool for textiles, dung for fuel, and as pack animals (Moore 1989; Bonavia 2008; Thornton et al 2011)
We explore camelid management at the archeological site of Castillo de Huarmey, located along the northern coast of Peru, by using multiple isotopic analyses (δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr, and 20nPb/204Pb) and comparing these data regionally against published data from other Wari sites of Cerro Baul (Thornton et al 2011) and Conchopata (Finucane et al 2006)
Each freeze-dried sample was weighed to determine percent collagen yield and 600 μg was loaded into tin capsules and introduced to a Carlo Erba elemental analyzer connected to a Delta V isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). δ13C was compared against the standard Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite (VPDB) and δ15N was compared with atmospheric nitrogen (AIR) using USG40 and USG41 standards

Summary

Introduction

In the Pre-Columbian Andes, the two New World domesticated camelids, llama (Lama glama) and alpaca (Vicugna pacos), served as the primary source for meat, pelts, bone tools, and secondary source with wool for textiles, dung for fuel, and as pack animals (Moore 1989; Bonavia 2008; Thornton et al 2011). We explore camelid management at the archeological site of Castillo de Huarmey, located along the northern coast of Peru, by using multiple isotopic analyses (δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr, and 20nPb/204Pb) and comparing these data regionally against published data from other Wari sites of Cerro Baul (Thornton et al 2011) and Conchopata (Finucane et al 2006). Its main capital was established at Huari in the Ayacucho Valley in the central highlands; administrative and religious control of hinterland sites was likely managed through regional centers, including Castillo de Huarmey on the north coast of Peru (Giersz and Makowski 2014)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion