Multi-tissue stable isotopic investigation of social elite diet at Túcume, Peru

Smith D.R.; Delgado Elías B.; Marla Toyne J. · Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2026.106032

Resumen

The food behaviors of social elites within complex societies are often governed by differential access and cultural factors determining the menu within a regional ecology. This study utilizes a multi-isotope approach to investigate dietary variation of social elites within the Late Horizon (C.E. 1470–1532) cemetery around Huaca Las Abejas at Túcume using stable carbon (δ13Ccol and δ13Csc) and nitrogen isotopes (δ15N). Tooth (early life) and bone (later life) were sampled to examine variation in food behaviors related to age and biological sex. Results suggest a mixed diet with a high proportion of C4 resources and a protein source elevated in δ13C. There were significant differences between bone and tooth δ13Csc and δ15N, and adult and juvenile dentin δ13Ccol. Paired tissues for 15 individuals displayed statistically significant differences between δ13Csc and δ15N. The results of this multi-isotope and multi-tissue study indicate elite dietary patterns were consistent within this social group despite age and sex differences, but protein shifted during life. Directional shifts between paired tissue values appeared distinct by gender, demonstrating nuanced patterns are not always visible at the aggregate scale. These burials show that social membership dictated consistent access to resources allowing stable dietary regimes during Inka administration of the site.