This paper presents the results of isotopic analysis of prehistoric diet in the Arica region. Using δ13C and δ15N values obtained from human collagen we evaluate changes in dietary patterns from the early agricultural period (Formative 3500-1500 BP) through to Inka occupation (Late period 550-400 BP). In particular, we examine the impact of maize consumption in the area during periods of major social interaction with the political centres of the Andean highlands. Our results show the continuation of broadspectrum and marine resource use, rather than a shift to maize-reliance during prehistory. In addition, we compare and contrast our data with previously published work from other Andean regions. We demonstrate biogeographical variation in resource use, probably influenced by the political centres of Wari, Tiwanaku and later the Inka Empire. Contrastingly, results from incremental isotopic analysis of dentine collagen from the Arica infant populations indicate that maize was an important resource for infantweaning, and comprises a more obvious portion of childhood diet than that of adults.

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This article presents the results of contextual research and archaeological experimentation carried out in relation to the social and ritual role played by the manufacture of copper ore objects (beads, pendants and plaques, mainly), and their various
contexts of use in the Atacama salt flat for the Middle Horizon (ca. 400-1000 AD). Our analysis - focused on the comprehensive observation of the elements that made up the burial offerings of Quitor 6 cemetery in San Pedro de Atacama - throws light
on the renewed importance gained by this industry during the Middle Horizon. At the same time, it reveals hitherto unknown details about the specialization and differential distribution of lapidary manufacture within the Atacamenian society. Through the application of archaeological experimentation, the original function of a wooden artifact has been established, which turns out to be the base or support used specifically for the drilling of beads. New information is also presented about certain funerary ritual gestures associated with copper ore, data that reinforce the special bond that existed for thousands of years between the mineral, the Atacamenian communities (ayllus) and the objects offered to their ancestors or deities. We consider that this set of evidence strongly suggests that the population buried in Quitor 6 cemetery could correspond to a group specialized in copper ore lapidary manufacture.

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During the Middle period (400-1000 AD), metal objects increased significantly in the cemeteries of San Pedro de Atacama, suggesting the centrality of metals in the structuring of relations between local leaders and Tiwanaku. This paper presents
the metal objects that circulated in the Atacamenian space during this period through their typological identification, the determination of the alloys in which they were manufactured and their productive evidence. From these results, we discuss the presence of a local metallurgical production and its coexistence with other technological traditions in the South Central Andes. We conclude by evaluating aspects of the social production and use of metals during the Middle Horizon in San Pedro de Atacama.

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The purpose of this work is to characterize the bioarchaeological record and the contexts (stratigraphy and chronology) of recently recorded Middle and initial Late Holocene archaeological sites located in the eastern Pampa-Patagonia transition.
The aims are to evaluate and discuss the variations in mortuary practices and in the use of space (coast-inland) by huntergatherers during ca. 6,000-1,000 years BP. Quantitative, taphonomic, sex and age-at-death as well as burial modalities data
are presented. The obtained chronology indicates systematic reoccupation during the Middle and initial Late Holocene of coastal and inland sectors. While in inland sites human bone remains are highly fragmented and affected by important postdepositional factors (e.g., weathering, abrasion), in the coastal sector anatomical integrity is greater and taphonomy indicates stability in the depositional history. During the Middle Holocene, while burial modality at coastal sites would have been primary, it could not be determined in inland sectors. For the initial Late Holocene, while on the Atlantic coast primary burials were recorded, secondary modalities were detected in inland sectors. Finally, the results are integrated with the chronological information obtained on human skeletal remains and burial modalities defined for Southeastern Pampa and Northpatagonia in order to discuss the contribution of the case study presented here to the bioarchaeology of these regions.

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