Evidence for Maize (Zea mays) in the Late Archaic (3000–1800 B.C.) in the Norte Chico Region of Peru
Document Type
Article
Abstract
For more than 40 y, there has been an active discussion over the presence and economic importance of maize (Zea mays) during the Late Archaic period (3000–1800 B.C.) in ancient Peru. The evidence for Late Archaic maize has been limited, leading to the interpretation that it was present but used primarily for ceremonial purposes. Archaeological testing at a number of sites in the Norte Chico region of the north central coast provides a broad range of empirical data on the production, processing, and consumption of maize. New data drawn from coprolites, pollen records, and stone tool residues, combined with 126 radiocarbon dates, demonstrate that maize was widely grown, intensively processed, and constituted a primary component of the diet throughout the period from 3000 to 1800 B.C.
DOI
10.1073/pnas.1219425110
Publication Date
3-1-2013
Recommended Citation
Haas, Jonathan; Creamer, Winifred; Mesia, Luis Huaman; et al. Evidence for maize (Zea mays) in the Late Archaic (3---1800 B.C.) in the Norte Chico region of Peru PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Volume: 110 Issue: 13 Pages: 4945-4949 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1219425110
Original Citation
Haas, Jonathan; Creamer, Winifred; Mesia, Luis Huaman; et al. Evidence for maize (Zea mays) in the Late Archaic (3---1800 B.C.) in the Norte Chico region of Peru PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Volume: 110 Issue: 13 Pages: 4945-4949 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1219425110
Department
Department of Anthropology
Legacy Department
Department of Anthropology
ISSN
1091-6490
Language
eng
Publisher
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
