Isótopos Estables y Dieta en Poblaciones Prehispánicas del Norte Semiárido (30°-32° lat. S.): una Primera Aproximación desde el Arcaico Tardío hasta el Período Incaico

Abstract

This paper presents the results obtained in the isotope analysis of prehistoric human remains from the Choapa and Limarí rivers valleys. The remains are dated between the Archaic (ca 2,000 BCE) and Inka periods (1450-1540 CE). The results obtained showed that maize (Zea mays) became a frequent dietary component during the Late Intermediate Period (ca 1,000-1,450 CE). The results contradict traditional interpretations of the prehistory of this region, that proposed maize became important in earlier times. Statistical comparisons showed no significant differences between the Archaic and Early Ceramic groups. The results enrich our understanding regarding the transition to agriculture in the Semi-arid region of Chile.