Origen geográfico de camélidos en el periodo mochica (100-800 AD) y análisis isotópico secuencial del esmalte dentario: enfoque metodológico y aportes preliminares

Abstract

Camelids are commonly found in coastal Peruvian archaeological sites dated to the Prehispanic period but are nowadays missing on the coast. Because of their modern geographical distribution it has been suggested that these animals were brought to the coast through exchanges with the sierra. The present work represents uses the sequential analysis of oxygen stable isotopes to reconstruct the geographical origin of Andean camelids. Serial isotopic analysis of dental enamel was performed on archaeological specimens excavated from the Uhle Platform at the site of Huacas de Moche, which is dated to the Mochica period (100-800 A.D.). These measurements are compared to those from a modern alpaca. The findings show that archaeological camelids were raised on the coast during their first years of life. This preliminary study highlights the potential of the serial isotopic approach despite its limitations. The study suggests alternative animal management practices during the Mochica period.

Keywords

• Peru
• camelids
• breeding
• sequential isotopic analysis
• Mochica culture