A multiplicity of identities: The intersections of cranial vault modification, paleodiet, and sex in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Abstract

Objectives Intentional cranial modification and diet serve as markers of identity. Here, we explore the intersection between the body and social persona in the San Pedro oases through the complex relationship(s) between these markers and other aspects of society and the individual. Methods Skeletal remains of 1190 individuals were analyzed for evidence of intentional head shaping and classed as unmodified, tabular, or annular. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses of bone (n = 203) focused on the contribution of C3 plants, C4/CAM plants, beans, and terrestrial animal meat per the Bayesian model, FRUITS. Strontium isotope data from dental enamel was considered for more detailed analyses. Results Cranial modification was present in 520 individuals (43.7%; N = 1190). Modification was significantly more common among females (χ2 = 7.403, p = 0.007). There was no significant difference in presence or type between periods. Average values for the four modeled food groupings differ significantly. There is a significant difference in consumption of C4/CAM plants by those individuals with modified heads consuming more (26.5 ± 9.9% vs. 23.6 ± 9.4%, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, p < 0.05). In the Middle Period sample, males consume significantly more C4/CAM plants (p < 0.05) and females more C3 plants (p < 0.01). Four of those with outlier C4 values were analyzed for strontium, yielding values outside the “local” range. Conclusions As head shaping is permanently imposed in infancy while dietary patterns are the consequence of ongoing choices and constraints in the social and ecological environment, these markers of identity are not parallel. The numerous points of intersection between these markers and other aspects of identity are highlighted.

Weaving Identity Death: SPINDLE WHORLS IN SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

“…The individuals selected for this study were based on the availability of mortuary context data in the notes of Father Gustavo Le Paige, housed at the Instituto de Arqueología y Antropología, and demographic and paleopathological data compiled by previous researchers (Nado et al, 2012;Torres et al, 2022;Torres-Rouff, 2011;Torres-Rouff et al, 2018). While remains from Solcor 3 were excavated in the 1980s following scientific protocols by archaeologists on staff at the Instituto de Arqueología y Antropología (formerly Instituto de Investigaciones Arqueológicas) of the Universidad Católica del Norte, Chile, the remains from Coyo Oriental were excavated by Father Gustavo Le Paige during the mid-twentieth century and skeletal remains in these cases are limited to crania.…”

“…For this study, only adult individuals where sex could be determined, information as to grave context was available, and paleopathological data had been collected were studied, resulting in a total sample of 184 individuals (114 from Coyo Oriental and 70 from Solcor 3). , 1994;Buzon et al, 2005) were employed to determine age and sex, and analyze evidence of traumatic injury (Nado et al, 2012;Torres et al, 2022;Torres-Rouff, 2011;Torres-Rouff et al, 2018). Since the Coyo Oriental sample consists of only crania, sexually dimorphic features of the skull were used to determine individual sex, while individuals were sexed using features of the os coxae whenever they were available at Solcor 3.…”

“…Individual and group identities are multifaceted constructs, influenced and created by the intersection of society, biology, and the environment, but also by each other (Mac Sweeney, 2009;Torres et al, 2022). Individual identities cannot exist without group identities, and vice versa: the identity of the individual is often defined in terms of the self in relation or opposition to the whole while the identity of the group relies on the shared and collective identities of the individuals within it (Fowler, 2004;Mac Sweeney, 2009;Salazar et al, 2014).…”

“…Map of the San Pedro de Atacama ayllus Note. (Torres et al 2022) The San Pedro de Atacama region (SPA) consists of a series of 13 interconnected oases, located in the Atacama desert of northern Chile (Salazar et al, 2014). These are considered ayllus by the present day community, a term that has spatial connotations as well as recognition of kin-based social units that comprise the unique community structures associated with geography, sociopolitical groups, and lineage (Abercrombie, 1998;Knudson & Torres-Rouff, 2014;Stovel, 2013).…”

“…These are considered ayllus by the present day community, a term that has spatial connotations as well as recognition of kin-based social units that comprise the unique community structures associated with geography, sociopolitical groups, and lineage (Abercrombie, 1998;Knudson & Torres-Rouff, 2014;Stovel, 2013). SPA's ayllus have been the focus of multiple studies of identity in the last three decades that bring together studies of material culture and human skeletal remains (Knudson & Torres-Rouff, 2014;Marsteller et al, 2011;Nado et al, 2012;Oakland, 1992;Salazar et al, 2014;Stovel, 2013;Torres et al, 2022;Torres-Rouff & Knudson, 2017). When taken together, these studies build a strong foundation for understanding identity at individual, local, and interregional levels.…”