Stable isotopes, camelids diet and social differentiation (Ambato Valley, Catamarca, Argentina, VI-XI centuries AD)

Authors

  • Mariana Dantas Instituto de Antropología de Córdoba (IDACOR), CONICET y Museo de Antropología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Hipólito Yrigoyen 174, 5000 Córdoba
  • Germán Figueroa Instituto de Antropología de Córdoba (IDACOR), CONICET y Museo de Antropología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Hipólito Yrigoyen 174, 5000 Córdoba
  • Andrés Laguens Instituto de Antropología de Córdoba (IDACOR), CONICET y Museo de Antropología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Hipólito Yrigoyen 174, 5000 Córdoba
  • Andrés Izeta Instituto de Antropología de Córdoba (IDACOR), CONICET y Museo de Antropología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Hipólito Yrigoyen 174, 5000 Córdoba

Abstract

In this paper we discuss how livestock production was organized in Ambato Valley, Catamarca, between the VI and XI centuries AD, based on new δ13C isotopic analyzes performed on camelid remains. The results achieved, together with those previously obtained in other studies, suggest the existence of two forms of livelihood of camelids: one of extensive mobility and varied food vs. other of restricted mobility and controlled feeding. The latter would have been one of the key elements that have conformed an integrated agropastoral productive system, that articulated camelid and plant breeding in the same space and with the same infrastructure.

Keywords:

South American Camelids, Stable Isotopes, Aguada Culture