Abstract

HERNANDEZ, Anahí  and  VALENZUELA, Luciano. Isotopic analysis of camelids from late Holocene archaeological sites in the north of Quebrada de Humahuaca (Argentina). Intersecciones antropol. [online]. 2021, vol.22, n.2, pp.183-194.  Epub Dec 01, 2021. ISSN 1850-373X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.37176/iea.22.2.2021.624.

In this paper, the first isotopic results on camelid bone from two archaeological sites located in the north of quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy, Argentina) are presented: Antumpa (1900-1300 BP; 3300 masl) and Cóndor II (1100-960 BP; 3810 masl). The aim of this work is to generate information about the exploitation and management of camelids in a region and for a time period with little isotopic data. We present δ13C and δ15N values measured on bone collagen of eleven archaeological camelids, which provide new and unique information for isotopic studies in this region. δ13C value ranges between -18.3‰ and -14.0‰ (mean = -16.2‰) and δ15N values ranges between 6.4‰ and 8.9‰ (mean = 7.7‰). Differences in δ13C values and no variations in δ15N values between Antumpa and Cóndor II were recorded. This can be explained by differences in elevation between the sites. However, the temporal factor is not ruled out as a source of alternative isotopic variability. Furthermore, we observe very low variations of δ13C and δ15N values among the species of camelids, which should be corroborated in future research through the incorporation of new samples.

Keywords : Stable isotopes; Camelids; Zooarchaeology; Argentina northwest.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )