Re-approaching palaeodiet in the Andes: use and application of sulphur isotope analysis in reconstructing Peruvian palaeodiet

Katherine G Bishop

doi:10.29173/comp9

Abstract

This research critically examines palaeodietary analyses in ancient Peru. Research is often approached using ceramics, flora, and faunal remains to examine human diet and behaviour prior to written records however these remains may not be indicative of items used exclusively for subsistence. More directed approaches employ stable isotope analyses of human remains as these data can provide direct indication of foods consumed during life. Peruvian isotope studies focus on 13C-enrichment patterns, and follow the premise that maize (corn) was the main source of 13C-enrichment recorded in bone collagen. Recent studies in Peru have identified other dietary sources that cause similar enrichment patterns, including kiwicha (pseudocereal), marine protein (e.g. shellfish, fish, and seals), and mococho (seaweed). As a result, additional methodologies must be employed to more sufficiently identify sources of subsistence in ancient Peru. I propose that stable sulphur isotope methodology may be used to overcome the issues presented. By critically reviewing previous palaeodietary analyses of Peru I examine current limitations and overview the application potential of carbon and nitrogen isotope studies complemented with sulphur isotope analysis of human and faunal remains within a Peruvian context. Ultimately I advocate for a more comprehensive approach to Peruvian palaeodiet.

Highlights

Recent studies in Peru have identified other available food sources that cause 13C enrichment in diet, including kiwicha (Cadwallader et al 2012), marine protein (Miller, Capriles, and Hastorf 2010), and mococho (Finucane, Agurto, and Isbell 2006)
Current methodology is no longer sufficient for identifying sources of subsistence, limiting palaeodietary analyses for this region. To overcome this issue I will (i) review the biochemical applications of stable sulphur isotope analyses from other studies, (ii) review previous palaeodietary analyses of Peru and examine current limitations, and, (iii) critically examine the application potential of carbon and nitrogen isotope studies complemented with sulphur isotope analysis of human and faunal remains within a Peruvian context
Small-scale agriculture began with crops of manioc, vegetables, and fruits, which thrive in the arid environments to the west and more tropical environments to the northeast (Beresford-Jones et al 2009)

Summary

Introduction

Recent studies in Peru have identified other available food sources that cause 13C enrichment in diet, including kiwicha (pseudo-cereal) (Cadwallader et al 2012), marine protein (e.g. shellfish, fish, and seals) (Miller, Capriles, and Hastorf 2010), and mococho (seaweed) (Finucane, Agurto, and Isbell 2006). The southern lowland region includes Lake Titicaca and the northern lowland region has the southern portion of the Amazon River; both are home to lush ecological environments (Miller, Capriles, and Hastorf 2010). These varying ecologies support different flora and fauna and would have caused different subsistence niches for humans in the past (Tomczak 2003). Food storage vessels and preparation methodology have been indicated using macroscopic ceramic analyses and ethnohistoric data in conjunction (Duncan, Pearsall, and Benfer 2009). Ceramic, ethnohistoric, and botanical evidence indicate a more holistic picture of crops and preparation methods for available foods

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Conclusion