Tendencias paleodietarias en comunidades arqueológicas de La Rioja (ca. 400-1600 D.C., Argentina)

The first results of carbon and nitrogen isotopic analysis to assess dietary patterns in village communities from ancient La Rioja are presented. We present and discuss a sample of 12 human individuals from archaeological localities with different chronology and environment. In order to determine the isotopic signals of possible human food sources, carbon and nitrogen values ​​are also presented in a sample of 18 modern plants and 20 archaeological camelids. The results indicate a mixed C3 and C4 diet in the human group with a predominance of the former. C3 sources may correspond to locally available vegetables and probably animals feeding on natural grasses. Despite expected different dietary patterns throughout the temporal sequence, no statistical differences were found when comparing isotopic systems according to chronology.