Ceremonial maize of the south-Central Andes: a picture of variability and processing at Inka expansion times on the base of charred macroremains

CAPPARELLI AYLEN; LOPEZ, MARIA LAURA

Lecce

Congreso; 18th International Workgroup for Palaeoethnobotany; 2019

Universitá del Salento

The goal of this presentation is to understand commensality of public ceremonies in south-Central Andes immediately before and after the Inka conquest through the characterization of the maize involved. Most of the knowledge about ancient maize of this region comes from dairy life middens and domestic areas. In contrast, ritual contexts were rarely studied. Circa of one thousand of charred corn macroremains (kernels and cobs) recovered from two ceremonial platforms are analyzed. They belong to Los Amarillos and to El Shincal de Quimivil archaeological sites (NW Argentina). The former presented its maximum occupation during the Regional Development Period, drastically disrupted since the Inka conquest. The latter was an Inka Administrative/Ceremonial Center resembling a little Cuzco. Morphometric (i.e shape and dimensions; endosperm types, pericarp aspect) and experimental variables (i.e. shrinkage, expansion, endosperm extrusion, pericarp changes) were registered in order to recognize different maize types and processing techniques (i.e. pounding, boiling, toasted) as well as charring conditions. Main results show a great maize intraspecific variability and diverse culinary preparations in both sites which can be related with offerings coming from different local communities; continuity in the use of local landraces through time; but differences in plant parts recovered and practices involved. Symbolism, empowering and believes of local cosmovisions are discussed.