Current and prehistoric human mobility in North Neuquén: an approach using complex networks and stable isotopic mixing models

Abstract

The study of the seasonal mobility and use of space by human populations that inhabited the North of Neuquén (Patagonia, Argentina) over time is a subject of great interest. In this study, we develop a frame of reference for investigating the past seasonal mobility in the region by examining the connectivity between areas of summer and winter camps used by contemporary transhumant herders. Our weighted bipartite network analyses show that the seasonal mobility of current herders exhibits a modular organization with winter and summer camps located at short distances—7 and 100 km. Then, the applicability of this framework was assessed by analyzing δ18O values obtained from prehistoric human remains from the Curi Leuvú basin and current river water from North Neuquén and South Mendoza to construct an isoscape and infer the geographic origin of human samples. We found that around 40% of the individuals buried in the Curi Leuvú basin had δ18O values consistent with a preferential use of the summer camps of the Tromen massif and Domuyo volcano, while the rest of the individuals remained in the winter area throughout the year. These results agree with the expectations derived from the analysis of the mobility of current herders and are compatible with movements of individuals or small groups from the winter areas to the nearest summer areas.