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Early specialized maritime and maize economies on the north coast of Peru

2020; National Academy of Sciences; Volume: 117; Issue: 51 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1073/pnas.2009121117

1091-6490

Tiffiny A. Tung, Tom D. Dillehay, Robert S. Feranec, Larisa R.G. DeSantis,

Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies

Significance The manner in which early human populations in the Americas organized their subsistence strategies and exchange have profound implications on their socioeconomic organization. Analysis of two coexisting Preceramic communities in coastal Peru (∼7,500 to 4,000 calibrated [cal] B.P.) shows that despite their proximity, they ate distinct foods. Huaca Prieta focused on marine resources, Paredones on maize and other crops. They exchanged food items, indicating early forms of cooperation among specialized Preceramic groups. Paredones shows regular maize consumption by 6,500 to 6,000 cal B.P. and maize as a staple by 5,000 to 4,500 cal B.P., particularly as a weaning food. Research on ancient political economies should incorporate isotopic and dental microwear texture data to reveal actual food consumption of the people.