Isotopic analysis of camelids from late Holocene archaeological sites in the north of Quebrada de Humahuaca (Argentina)

In this paper, the first isotopic results on camelid bone from two archaeological sites located in the north of quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy, Argentina) are presented: Antumpa (1900-1300 BP; 3300 masl) and Condor II (1100-960 BP; 3810 masl). The aim of this work is to generate information about the exploitation and management of camelids in a region and for a time period with little isotopic data. We present delta C-13 and delta N-15 values measured on bone collagen of eleven archaeological camelids, which provide new and unique information for isotopic studies in this region. delta C-13 value ranges between -18.3 parts per thousand and - 14.0 parts per thousand (mean =-16.2%o) and delta N-15 values ranges between 6.4 parts per thousand and 8.9 parts per thousand (mean = 7.7%o). Differences in delta C-13 values and no variations in delta N-15 values between Antumpa and Condor II were recorded. This can be explained by differences in elevation between the sites. However, the temporal factor is not ruled out as a source of alternative isotopic variability. Furthermore, we observe very low variations of delta C-13 and delta N-15 values among the species of camelids, which should be corroborated in future research through the incorporation of new samples.