The llama's share: Highland origins of camelids during the Late Paracas period (370 to 200 BCE) in south Peru demonstrated by strontium isotope analysis

This article contributes to the debate on the habitat of “New World” camelids in pre-Colonial South America and provides new insights into the breeding and herding strategies developed by Andean societies. The case discussed here refers to the Late Paracas period (370 to 200 BCE) in the Palpa valleys of the western Andes in south Peru. Tooth enamel, which is formed only in the first years of life in mammals such as camelids, from 30 camelid individuals is examined through strontium isotope analysis. The camelid remains were excavated by the Palpa Archaeological Project (PAP) at the Paracas sites of Jauranga, Collanco, and Cutamalla, which are situated at distinct ecological levels. The data displays similar isotopic signatures for Jauranga on the coast, Collanco in the western yunga, and Cutamalla in the highlands. These results largely correspond with strontium isotope compositions for the highland of the Ayacucho region in the research area, as proved by recent environmental and archaeological reference samples. Therefore, it is assumed that the camelids utilized by Paracas people originated in highland areas, where the rearing of the animals took place. However, the possibility that a limited portion of camelids were raised in ecosystems at lower altitudes, including the coast, is not excluded. The results also indicate major exchange and mobility of camelids, camelid commodities, and other products that were transported along the western slopes of the Andes, to a great extent with the help of camelids as pack animals in caravans. Finally, our case study demonstrates the variety of camelid husbandry practices in pre-Hispanic South America.