Food plants and their past circulation in Central-Western Argentinean Patagonia: Insights from microbotanical remains in human dental calculus

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the first analysis of plant microremains in human dental calculus from the Central-Western Argentinean Patagonia (CWAP). This study aims to assess how food plant species, along with their procurement and processing methods, were utilized in the diets of prehispanic hunter-gatherers. Two archaeological sites -one in the forest and one on the steppe- as well as a private collection, comprise the CWAP human dental sample. Diverse plant microremains related to local and non-local wild species were found in dental calculus. While on the steppe, local resources, such as grasses and underground organs, would have been obtained directly. Non-local species (Neltuma spp. and Araucaria araucana), which traveled at least 250 km, would have been acquired through exchange, enabling us to discuss the existence of Late Holocene networks that connect the CWAP with the macroregion. Additionally, the variety of damages in starches, tracheides, and fibers enables us to discuss processing practices for vegetal resources, including grinding, fermentation, and roasting.