Sedentism Among the Archaic Fisher-Folk of Northern Chile: a Malacological Perspective
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UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations 1-1-2001 Sedentism among the Archaic fisher-folk of northern Chile: A malacological perspective Sally D Llull-Billings University of Nevada, Las Vegas Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/rtds Repository Citation Llull-Billings, Sally D, "Sedentism among the Archaic fisher-folk of northern Chile: A malacological perspective" (2001). UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations. 1310. http://dx.doi.org/10.25669/89fg-t4l0 This Thesis is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by Digital Scholarship@UNLV with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Thesis in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/ or on the work itself. 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SEDENTISM AMONG THE ARCHAIC nSHER-FOLK OF NORTHERN CHILE: A MALACOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE by Sally Llull Billings Bachelor of Arts University of Nevada, Las Vegas 1994 A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Arts Degree Department of Anthropology College of Liberal Arts Graduate College University of Nevada, Las Vegas December 2001 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. UMI Number 1409020 UMI* UMI Microform 1409020 Copyright 2002 by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest Information and Learning Company 300 North Zeeb Road P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Thesis Approval UNIV The Graduate College University of \'evada. Las Vegas October 4 ■ 20 01 The Thesis prepared by Sally Llull-B illings Entitled "Sedentism Among the Archaic Fisher-Folk of Northern Chile: A Ma1acological Perspective" ______________________________ is approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts, Anthropology____________________ ,, X. J EXiiininattimG o m n n t t L VCIttiir Dean of the CraJtiate Col.U\e Examination Committee Member Examination Cdmmittee Member '' 2a __ Examination Committee Member raduate College Faculty Representative PR/1017-S!. I-OO U Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. ABSTRACT Sedentism Among the Archaic Fisher-Folk of Northern Chile: A Malacological Perspective by Sally Llull Billings Dr. Bernardo Arriaza, Examination Committee Chair Professor of Physical Anthropology University of Nevada, Las Vegas Oxygen isotope analysis of shell material from the Camarones West Shell Midden and from the site of Quiani has revealed ±at year-round collection of shellfish for food by the people of the Chinchorro Culture was not practiced. Additional shell demographics from the site of Quiani further support the oxygen isotope results. Radiocarbon dating revealed that the midden sample spanned the Classic Chinchorro and Transitional Chinchorro epochs, from 5590 to 3830 B. P. Shell classification and quantification of these sites also revealed that shellfish collection and the Qfpes of shellfish harvested has been consistent from Chinchorro times to the present. This report is the first attempt to utilize oxygen isotope analysis in conjunction with shell middens in the Camarones River Delta to determine seasonali^ of resources and its relationship to sedentism. This finding may be important to future arguments for fully sedentary Chinchorro communities. lU Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT......................................................................................................................... iü USTOFHGURES .............................................................................................................vi UST OF TABLES..............................................................................................................vii ACKNOWLEGEMENTS................................................................................................. vüi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION......................................................................................... 1 Location and Environment..............................................................................................5 Background ....................................................................................................................12 Research Goals.............................................................................................................. 18 Hypothesis..................................................................................................................... 20 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW........................................................................... 21 Theoretical Paradigms..................................................................................................21 Processual Studies ...................................................................................................22 Hunter and Gatherer Studies .................................................................................. 23 The Archaeology of Sedentary Sites ...................................................................... 27 Sedentism and the Rise of Agriculture .................................................................. 27 Coastal Adaptations......................................................................................................30 The Chinchorro Culture ................................................................................................40 CHAPTER 3: ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES USED TO RECREATE PALEOENVIRONMENTS................................................................................................49 Shell Midden Archaeology ...........................................................................................50 Oxygen Isotope Analysis..............................................................................................54 CHAPTER 4: METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................58 Collection and Identification of Shells........................................................................ 59 Modem Species....................................................................................................... 59 Excavation at Camarones ..............................................................................................67 Camarones West Shell Midden.............................................................................. 67 Chronology of Camarones West_________________________________________ 72 Oxygen Isotope Analysis.............................................................................................. 74 Shell Morphoscopy___________________________________________________ 75 IV Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. CHAPTERS: DISCUSSION.............................................................................................78 Camarones Oxygen Isotope Results............................................................................ 78 Shell Demography Results............................................................................................87 CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSIONS........................................................................................ 91 Recommendations For Future