Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Coprolitos y dieta del Precerámico Tardío de la costa peruana

1985; Institut Français d'Études Andines; Volume: 14; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.3406/bifea.1985.1596

2076-5827

Glendon H. Weir, Duccio Bonavía,

Pacific and Southeast Asian Studies

Abstract This is a study of 64 coprolites from the coastal area of Huarmey. These were found in the course of excavation, 50 being from various pre-ceramic eras; their age ranges from 6,000 years B.C. to 2,200 years B.C. Further six samples are from the Middle Horizon and eight were found in a stratigraphic context which is not quite clear. The methodology employed for this analysis is set out and the results are given as well as detailed discussion being made regarding the remains of plants (pollen and macro specimens) and animals which have been duly identified. Using these elements an attempt has been made to reconstruct the diet of people who lived at that time. With regard to the pre-ceramic era a major change has been observed, showing the gradual introduction of cultivated plants which at the outset were supplementary to a diet consisting mainly of seafood and then subsequently became staple items. Oustanding amongst these is maize which occurs in an appreciable amount dating from 3,000 years B.C.