Isotopic Evidence for Reconstructing Prehistoric Subsistence Patterns in Patagonia, Argentina

Stable isotope analysis of human skeletal remains from Patagonia, Argentina was conducted to investigate prehistoric subsistence patterns in this region of South America. Hunter-gatherers in Patagonia began using ceramics about 1200 BP, suggesting a subsistence shift about that time. Analyses of bone collagen and bone apatite provide information about protein and energy portions of the diet, and may specifically indicate the consumption of marine foods, riverine resources and/or terrestrial C4 crops such as maize. Our samples were selected from both coastal and inland sites dating between 2500 BP and 330 BP, and document significant dietary changes within this period.