A Molecular Anthropological Re-examination of the Human Remains from La Galgada, Peru

Summary

The archaeological site of La Galgada is located on the eastern bank of the Tablachaca River in the highlands of Northern Peru. The site was dated to both the Preceramic period and Initial period through a combination of detailed archaeological investigation of the site complex, and the use of radiocarbon dating of material collected stratigraphically. Human remains found at the site were also categorized into these two periods based on stratigraphic location. However, recent radiocarbon dating of the human skeletal remains found at the site contradicts the initial dating results. In light of the time period discrepancies, questions surrounding the relationships between individuals, including whether individuals buried at the site were local vs. non-local, were addressed by re-analyzing ancient mitochondrial and nuclear DNA of the individuals dating to both time periods. Additionally, through collagen extracted from bone samples, stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes were measured in order to reconstruct changes in diet, with the goal to potentially shed light on the social organization present at La Galgada. Data from this study will provide key information into understanding the occupancy and use of this site, as well as provide insight into the possible re-use of the site as a burial location.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 15719