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Status and diet in precontact highland Ecuador
D H Ubelaker1, M A Katzenberg, L G Doyon
1Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA.
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|August 1, 1995
Summary
High-status individuals in ancient Ecuador consumed more maize than low-status individuals, according to stable isotope analysis of human bone. Dietary differences did not align with historical expectations of elite animal protein consumption.
Area of Science:
- Bioarchaeology
- Paleodietary Studies
- Stable Isotope Analysis
Background:
- Excavations at La Florida, Ecuador, uncovered 32 individuals from six shaft tombs.
- Skeletal remains were dated to the Chaupicruz Phase (100-450 AD).
- Individuals were categorized by status: 9 high-status and 23 low-status/sacrifices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diets of high- and low-status individuals using stable isotope analysis.
- To investigate dietary differences between social classes at the La Florida site.
Main Methods:
- Stable isotope analysis of carbon (delta 13C) and nitrogen (delta 15N) from human bone protein and bioapatite.
- Comparison of isotopic values between high- and low-status groups.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences in delta 13C values were found between high- and low-status groups.
- Evidence suggests higher maize consumption among the high-status individuals.
- No significant differences in delta 15N or the spacing between protein and mineral delta 13C values were observed.
Conclusions:
- Dietary patterns at La Florida indicate greater maize consumption by the elite.
- Findings challenge 16th-century ethnohistorical accounts expecting higher elite animal protein intake.
- Stable isotope analysis provides direct evidence of paleodietary differences linked to social status.