Abstract

GARCIA, Alejandro  and  MARTINEZ CARRETERO, Eduardo. Corn consumption in native populations of Mendoza (central-western Argentina) and its relation to environmental conditions. Multequina [online]. 2019, vol.28, n.1, pp.5-20. ISSN 1852-7329.

In this article we analyze data on hydroxyapatite δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N from dated human bones, in order to evaluate the variability of corn eating, the possible incidence of the Little Ice Age (LIA) environmental changes on the regional production and consumption of this cereal by the native populations of central-western Argentina. We also evaluate whether or not the average curves are representative of sub-regional situations. Our results show that: a) the regional δ¹³Cap and δ¹⁵N curves are only partially representative for the situations recorded in San Juan and Mendoza. b) When considering the diverse environments of Mendoza, the provincial average curves and the sub-regional ones show significant differences. c) There are no signs of a drastic decrease in maize consumption during the Inca period. d) The decline in maize consumption appears in only one sub-region of Mendoza province during ca. 1777-1808 AD and no environmental incidence was detected

Keywords : Central-western Argentina; Diet; Environmental change; Inca; Stable isotopes; Little Ice Age; Maize.

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