Ingredientes animales de una comida festiva. Análisis zooarqueológico del Recinto 2 de Pajchela Núcleo (Cusi Cusi, Puna de Jujuy, Argentina)

From a food-centric theoretical perspective, this paper presents the results and interpretations of zooarchaeological analysis of the assemblage recovered during excavations of Recinto 2 at the Pajchela Nucleo site. Since animals are considered part of culinary networks, the researchers interpret data from the analysis of the archaeological bones to address questions about the animals’ role as ingredients. Scientists have identified a closure event at Recinto 2 consisting of the burning of the structure and disposal of the remains of a communal meal along with large rocks. While radiocarbon dating is not yet available, the discovery of a tumi enables us to place the closure event within the Incan era (1430-1535 AD). The sample’s large number of bones (more than 10,000 in excellent condition) enabled researchers to set the Minimum Number of Individuals (MNI) at approximately 30 camelids, fueling the detailed zooarchaeological methodology outlined herein. The bone remains are interpreted as evidence of a meal that brought people and groups from other places to Pajchela Nucleo, either for celebratory or commemorative purposes.