Abstract

GALVAN, Violeta A. Killian et al. Isotopic answers to old archaeological questions:. Runa [online]. 2022, vol.43, n.2, pp.35-56.  Epub June 27, 2022. ISSN 1851-9628.  http://dx.doi.org/10.34096/runa.v43i2.10731.

This article summarizes some of the contributions of the stable isotope analysis to the knowledge about the strategies in food consumption of the pre-Hispanic societies that occupied Northwest Argentina. The main emphasis was placed on how the isotopic information was interpreted to understand the intensification of maize (Zea mays) in different ecoregions: the Puna, mainly in the micro-region of Antofagasta de la Sierra (Catamarca) and the province of Jujuy; in the ecoregion of Monte de sierras y bolsones (hills and ravines monte), both in the mesothermal and high valleys of Catamarca and Tucumán provinces and in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy; and finally, in the Yungas, San Francisco River basin, Jujuy. The results obtained show different historical trajectories in the economic systems that took place in the macro-region, rather than linear and univocal trends over time.

Keywords : Food consumption; Stable isotope analysis; Agriculture, Bioarchaeology; Ecoregions.

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