Diet, Nutrition, and Foodways on the North Coast of Peru: Bioarchaeological Perspectives on Adaptive Transitions

This book explores the diet,subsistence regimes,and nutrition of indigenous north-coastal Peruvian communities from early agricultural through European colonial periods,using bioarchaeological research to reconstruct what individuals actually ate and how their diets changed over time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 227 pages
Publication date: 19 June 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into in-depth bioarchaeological research, shedding light on diet, subsistence regimes, and nutrition among indigenous north-coastal Peruvian communities spanning from early agricultural periods to the European colonial era. The Spanish invasion and colonization of Andean South America, which occurred in the 16th century, resulted in significant loss of life, altered landscapes, and the demise of traditional ways of life. However, the impact of these changes was not uniform across the region. Before the arrival of the Spanish, over four millennia of complex societies had emerged and collapsed, leaving a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. In the 16th century, the region was home to the largest and most expansive indigenous empire in the western hemisphere.

Decades of Andean archaeological and ethnohistorical research have uncovered the remarkable sophistication of regional agropastoral traditions, the pivotal role of food and feasting in governing societies, and the significance of maritime economies in the consolidation of complex polities. Bioarchaeology, in particular, has played a vital role in studying these processes. Beyond simply identifying the available resources and their preparation methods, bioarchaeological techniques offer unique insights and humanized perspectives to reconstruct what individuals actually consumed and whether their diets changed over their lifetimes.

The book explores the diverse dietary practices and adaptations of these communities, considering factors such as environmental changes, social hierarchies, and cultural influences. It examines the relationship between food availability, consumption patterns, and health outcomes, shedding light on the resilience and vulnerability of these communities in the face of historical challenges. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the book combines archaeological evidence, ethnohistorical narratives, and bioarchaeological analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between culture, nutrition, and adaptation in indigenous societies.

The findings of this research have significant implications for our understanding of historical processes, cultural heritage, and human resilience. They highlight the importance of preserving and studying indigenous knowledge systems, as well as the value of interdisciplinary research in unraveling the complexities of human history. By exploring the rich tapestry of indigenous communities in Andean South America, this book contributes to our broader understanding of the human experience and the diverse ways in which individuals have adapted and survived throughout time.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030426163
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020