Stable isotopes and maize consumption in central western Argentina

Abstract In this paper we present stable isotope information ( δ 13 C in bone collagen and apatite, and δ 15 N) in order to discuss the significance of maize consumption in the human diets of central western Argentina. We also contribute bioanthropological information based on the study of caries, hypoplasia, cribra orbitalia and dental abscess frequencies. This study shows a large variability in the significance of C 4 resources (e.g. maize) during the last 2500 years, and on this basis we propose that maize was significant in the human diet mainly after 1000 yrs BP. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.