Interciencia ISSN: 0378-1844 [email protected] Asociación Interciencia Venezuela

Arriaza, Bernardo; Ogalde, Juan; Chacama, Juan; Standen, Vivien; Huaman, Luis; Villanueva, Fiorella; Aravena, Natalia; Méndez-Quiros, Pablo; Tapia, Pedro MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF BOTANICAL RESIDUES FROM CERRO ESMERALDA BURIAL IN NORTHERN : STATE AND DEATH RITUAL IMPLICATIONS Interciencia, vol. 41, núm. 12, diciembre, 2016, pp. 844-850 Asociación Interciencia Caracas, Venezuela

Available in: http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=33948806008

How to cite Complete issue Scientific Information System More information about this article Network of Scientific Journals from Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal Journal's homepage in redalyc.org Non-profit academic project, developed under the open access initiative MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF BOTANICAL RESIDUES FROM CERRO ESMERALDA BURIAL IN NORTHERN CHILE: STATE AND DEATH RITUAL IMPLICATIONS Bernardo Arriaza, Juan Ogalde, Juan Chacama, Vivien Standen, Luis Huaman, Fiorella Villanueva, Natalia Aravena, Pablo Méndez-Quiros and Pedro Tapia

SUMMARY

In this paper we examine five offerings from a funeral clude festucodeae, dicotyledons, and graminoids. These re- context found at Cerro Esmeralda, an Inca burial ground in sults and this context suggest the consumption of high-qual- the coast of northern Chile. We focus on the iden- ity chicha in the Inca regional funeral setting. Several pos- tification of utilized plants, and investigate the consump- sible interpretive scenarios are suggested, including the use tion of chicha during this mortuary ritual. We brushed and of various types of plants to optimize the maize fermenting scraped aríbalo vessels and chuspa bags with sterile lab process; ritualistic consumption of chicha to feast with the tools and collected and analyzed micro-samples for starch dead (comer con el muerto); ancient anthropogenic contam- and phytoliths. We identified Zea mays starch, Cucurbita ination of the vessels due to different types of daily uses; sp./Lagenaria sp., Phaseolus sp., and a few grains of Mani- and, finally, as social and ritual activities associated with hot starch. The identified phytoliths that were present in- all these possible scenarios.

Introduction [1653], Betanzos 1996 [1557], Capacocha site has been with coca leaves and edible Sarmiento de Gamboa, 2007 characterized as having the products (e.g., jerky, corn). During the Tawantinsuyu or [1572]). Their ethnohistorical following inhumation archae- Along with the mentioned fea- , chicha (corn accounts correlate with ar- ological features: a) the sacri- tures, the fermented maize beer) consumption, politics, chaeological records (Mostny, fice of one or several children drink called chicha was pre- and human sacrifices were 1957; Reinhard, 1999, 2005; of both sexes; b) burials in an pared for this ritual (Moli- intimately intertwined with Chávez, 2001; Ceruti, 2003a, important Andean mountain na, 1943; Guamán Poma, reciprocity, alliances, and hos- b; Cummins, 2004; Bray peak or special regional place; 1980; Cobo, 1990; Betanzos, pitality, which were key com- et al., 2005; Bray, 2009). c) large and lavish ceramic 1996; Ceruti, 2003a, b, 2015; ponents of the Inca state’s These human sacrifices were grave goods (aríbalos among Cummins, 2004; Bray et al., goals of conquest, control, performed in commemoration others); d) fine clothes/gar- 2005; Sarmiento de Gamboa, and expansion (Morris, 1974; of historical events in the life ments (cumbi among others); 2007; Bray, 2009; Reinhard Morris and Thompson, 1985; of the Inca emperor or in re- e) miniature Spondylus sp., and Ceruti, 2010; Wilson Dillehay, 2003; Morris and sponse to natural catastro- silver and gold anthropomor- et al., 2013). Covey, 2003; Bray, 2009; phes, whereas the provinces phic figurines decorated with Today, about 18 of these Morris et al., 2011). One of of the Tawantinsuyu were so- exotic feathers and clothes in sites have been discovered, these types of human sacrific- cially and politically linked to addition to miniature camelids many showing the presence of es was the Capacocha rituals the Cusco capital through this made of the same type of aríbalos or vessels to store and described by several chroni- practice of metals; f) exotic goods such transport chicha. Capacocha clers of the Andean region (Cobo, 1990; Ceruti, 2003b; as feathers, cinnabar pigment, sites from the high Andean (Molina 1943 [1575], Guamán Reinhard and Ceruti, 2010; and Spondylus shells; g) food mountains, 6000masl, include Poma 1980 [1615], Cobo 1990 Andrushko et al., 2011). A offerings such as chuspa bags Cerro Ampato in the Colca

KEYWORDS / Chicha Drinks / Chile / Human Sacrifice / / Starch / Received: 03/08/2016. Modified: 11/13/2016. Accepted: 11/14/2016.

Bernardo Arriaza. Ph.D. in Phy- lica del Norte, Chile. Ph.D. Luis Huaman. Ph.D. candida- pacá, Chile. Research Assis- sical Antropology, Arizona student, Universidad de Tara- te in Botany, Universidad tant, Universidad de Tarapacá, State University, USA. Resear- pacá, Chile. Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Chile. cher, Universidad de Tarapacá Juan Chacama. Ph.D. candidate (UPCH), Perú. Professor, Pablo Méndez-Quiros. Master (UTA), Chile. Address: Insti- in Ethnohistory, Universidad de (UPCH), Perú. candidate, Universitat Auto- tuto de Alta Investigación, Chile. Professor, Universidad Fiorella Villanueva. B.S. in Bio- noma de Barcelona, Spain. Universidad de Tarapacá. Ca- de Tarapacá, Chile. logy, Universidad Nacional Pedro Tapia. Ph.D. in Geos- lle 1520. , Vivien Standen. Ph.D. in Phy- Federico Villarreal, Chile. ciences, University of Nebras- Chile. e-mail: barriazaarica@ sical Anthropology, Univer- Research Assistant, UPCH, ka, USA. Research Associate, gmail.com sidad Nacional Autónoma de Perú. UPCH, Perú. Juan Pablo Ogalde. M.A. in An- México. Professor, Universidad Natalia Aravena. Medical Tech- thropology, Universidad Cató- de Tarapacá, Chile. nologist, Universidad de Tara-

844 0378-1844/14/07/468-08 $ 3.00/0 DECEMBER 2016, VOL. 41 Nº 12 ANÁLISIS MICROSCÓPICO DE RESIDUOS VEGETALES DEL SITIO DE CERRO ESMERALDA, NORTE DE CHILE: ESTADO E IMPLICACIONES ACERCA DEL RITUAL FUNERARIO Bernardo Arriaza, Juan Ogalde, Juan Chacama, Vivien Standen, Luis Huaman, Fiorella Villanueva, Natalia Aravena, Pablo Méndez-Quiros y Pedro Tapia RESUMEN

En este trabajo se estudian cinco ofrendas del contexto fú- los principales hallazgos incluyen la presencia de festucodies, nebre Inca de Cerro Esmeralda, Iquique, costa norte de Chile, dicotiledóneas y gramíneas. Estos datos y su contexto sugie- con el propósito de contribuir a identificar los tipos de plantas ren el consumo de chicha de buena calidad en un escenario utilizadas y en particular ahondar en el estudio del consumo Inca regional. Se presentan varios escenarios de interpretación de chichas asociado a este ritual mortuorio. Utilizando técni- como por ejemplo el uso de diferentes materias primas vegeta- cas de raspado y cepillado con elementos estériles se extra- les para optimizar la fermentación, un uso ritualístico de ‘co- jeron muestras de sedimentos de jarras y chuspas ofrendadas mer con el muerto’, posible contaminación antrópica ancestral para análisis de almidones y fitolitos. Se logró identificar al- de las vasijas durante varios usos cotidianos y, por último, ac- midones de Zea mays, Cucurbita sp./Lagenaria sp., Phaseolus tividades sociales y rituales asociada al conjunto de estos pro- sp. y un grano de posible Manihot. En cuanto a los fitolitos, bables escenarios.

ANÁLISE MICROSCÓPICO DE RESÍDUOS VEGETAIS DA ÁREA DE CERRO ESMERALDA, NORTE DO CHILE: ESTADO E IMPLICAÇÕES SOBRE O RITUAL FUNERÁRIO Bernardo Arriaza, Juan Ogalde, Juan Chacama, Vivien Standen, Luis Huaman, Fiorella Villanueva, Natalia Aravena, Pablo Méndez-Quiros e Pedro Tapia RESUMO

Neste trabalho são estudadas cinco oferendas do contexto possível Manihot. Quanto aos fitólitos, as principais descober- fúnebre Inca de Cerro Esmeralda, Iquique, costa norte do Chi- tas incluem a presença de festucoides, dicotiledóneas e gramí- le, com o propósito de contribuir para identificar os tipos de neas. Estes dados e seu contexto sugerem o consumo de chicha plantas utilizadas e em particular aprofundar o estudo do con- de boa qualidade em um cenário Inca regional. Se apresentam sumo de “chicha” (bebida típica da região), associado a este vários cenários de interpretação como por exemplo o uso de ritual mortuário. Utilizando técnicas de raspagem e escovado diferentes matérias primas vegetais para otimizar a fermenta- com elementos estéreis se extraíram amostras de sedimentos ção, um uso ritualístico de ‘comer com o morto’, possível con- de jarras e “chuspas” (bolsas de lã) oferendadas para análise taminação antrópica ancestral dos recipientes durante vários de amidos e fitólitos. Se conseguiu identificar amidos de Zea usos cotidianos e, por último, atividades sociais e rituais asso- mays, Cucurbita sp./Lagenaria sp., Phaseolus sp. e um grão de ciada ao conjunto destes prováveis cenários.

Canyon region of southernPeru near the modern city of its lower elevation, the burial 1999) show evidence of trau- (Bray et al., 2005; Reinhard, Iquique in northern Chile. represents a Capacocha and ma; but others may have died 2005; Reinhard and Ceruti, Here, two young girls of 9 and can be considered a special of hypothermia assisted by 2010); the mummies of Cerro 18-20 years of age were found burial, with all the parapher- imbibing special drinks, chicha in northwestern buried in a fetal position; their nalia and ritual behavior char- for example. In fact, the analy- (Reinhard, 1999, remains were dated to around acteristic of the Inca. ses by Wilson et al. (2013) of 2005; Ceruti 2003a, b; Rein- 1399-1475 A.D. Over 100 fine Initially, Checura (1977) in- the Llullaillaco mummies con- hard and Ceruti, 2005, 2010), offerings were also present, dicated that the Cerro Esme- firm the sacrificed children and the Cerro El Plomo child including ceramic vessels ralda girls were strangled, but were given large quantities of in (Mostny, (aríbalos), anthropomorphic Silva (2012) noted that there alcohol before death. Consi- 1957). In addition, human sac- and zoomorphic small metallic are no external or internal le- dering the low altitude of rifice took place at lower figurines, possible silver orna- sions on the necks of the Cerro Esmeralda, it is unlikely mountain elevations including ments, chuspa bags, and mummies to support this the girls died of hypothermia La Plata Island off the coast of Spondylus shells (Checura, claim. The cause of death in (Checura, 1977; Ojeda, 2012; Ecuador, Túcume on the - 1977; Silva, 2012; Besom, Inca human sacrifice is not al- Silva, 2012), which had been vian north coast, Choquepukio 2013). This burial was classi- ways immediately evident. suggested as the method for in the Cusco Valley of Peru, fied as a Capacocha by several Cobo (1990: 156) wrote, “the other high-altitude human sac- and at Puma Punku on Tiwana- scholars (Checura, 1977; Ojeda, children were strangled and rifices. This opened the door ku, (McEwan and Van 2012; Silva, 2012; Besom, buried with gold and silver on to investigating the type of de Guchte, 1992; Bray et al., 2013) because it has six of the the hill of Chuquichanca” near drink given to the Iquique 2005; Knudson et al., 2006). seven previously mentioned Cusco. And indeed, the inhu- maidens. In 1976, road construction archaeological features. The mation findings from Cerro El Taking into account the im- led to the fortuitous discovery only discrepancy is that the Toro (Quevedo and Durán, portance of the aríbalos ves- of a rich Incan burial ground burial was found at a lower 1992) and Cerro Aconcagua sels and their limited presence in Cerro Esmeralda (905masl) elevation than usual. Despite (Gentile, 1996; Schobinger, as part of the grave goods in

DECEMBER 2016, VOL. 41 Nº 12 845 Incan human sacrifice, we fo- and observed under a bright- cus on micro-sampling of the field light microscope. Iquique aríbalos and analyzing The morphology and size of their inner surfaces to shed the starch grains and phytoliths light on the types of fermented were taken into account to de- drinks the vessels actually con- termine the type of plant pres- tained. We also considered the ent by means of comparison vegetable-associated materials with micro-remain catalogs, found in the grave goods. We specialized literature and com- show that the Cerro Esmeralda parative (normal and fermen- aríbalos and bags have evi- ted) samples of starch grains dence of fermentable micro-bo- and phytoliths (Pearsall et al., tanical remains (starch and 2003; Babot, 2004; Perry et al., phytoliths). Finally, we discuss 2006; Piperno, 2006; Hart, the role of chicha in this ritual 2010; Arriaza et al., 2015). and the cultural significance of However, the absence of cer- these vegetable materials. tain phytolith plants does not Figure 1. Fragmented aríbalo, Cerro Esmeralda, MRI 0010. necessarily imply the absence Materials and Methods of the plant itself because there are certain taxa that do not The uniqueness of the Cerro produce phytoliths or that do Esmeralda burial and grave and b) concho sample stored in tissue, both of which have a produce non-diagnostic phyto- goods encouraged the Iquique a museum bag labeled ‘sedi- specific shape and size depend- lith forms (Piperno, 2006). In city museum staff to keep this ment from vessel’ (MRI 0107). ing on the type of plant addition, two samples (aríbalo finding under limited access to Two samples were taken from (Pearsall et al., 2003; Babot, sediment MRI 0102 and vege- handling and research. Thus, vegetal material: a) one from a 2004; Perry et al., 2006; tal remains MRI 0112) were we were given a special permit museum petri dish (MRI 0112) Piperno, 2006). To isolate mi- microscopically examined for to briefly analyze the Cerro with vegetal residues and b) the cro-remains we used the com- macro-remains. Esmeralda grave goods stored other from a chuspa bag (MRI bined technique of starch and at Museo Regional de Iquique 0113) containing residues. phytolith recovery proposed by Results (MRI). We searched for the Samples were collected using Horrocks (2005). This proce- two aríbalos (Figure 1) descri- disposable brushes, scalpel sur- dure consists of separating the Of the five samples analyzed bed by Checura (1977) and gical blades, and starch-free remains by density using zinc (Table II), two (MRI 0112 and vegetable remains with fer- gloves. New brushes and bla- bromide solutions (1.8-1.9g·ml-1 MRI 0113) were positive for menting potential. Table I des were used for each sample. for the recovery of starch and macro-remains but negative for shows the five organic samples All samples were stored in 2.3g·ml-1 to recover phytoliths). starch grains. The other three we collected. One sample was sterile containers and analyzed Four drops from the solution samples –the two vessel sedi- taken by brushing an aríbalo for starch and phytoliths. We were mounted on slides. ments (conchos) from samples orange-reddish sherd without took standard safety precau- The starch observation was MRI 0102 and MRI 0107, and decoration (MRI 0010). Two tions to avoid contamination undertaken by mounting the the sherd brushing (on MRI samples were conchos or com- (safety cabinet, starch-free sample with five drops of glyc- 0010)– were positive for starch pacted brown organic residues gloves, and sterilized materials) erin and using a microscope grains but negative for mac- recovered from the bottom of during sample processing. with cross-polarized light at a ro-remains, not showing any the vessels: a) concho sample Starches are polymers of 400× magnification. The phy- identifiable plant remains (e.g., (MRI 0102) from the bottom of carbohydrates and phytoliths tolith samples were mounted cuticle or grains). However, fragmented aríbalo MRI 0010 are minerals found in plant using a PermountTM medium there were a few starch grains

TABLE I SAMPLES ANALYZED FOR STARCH AND PHYTOLITHS FROM CERRO ESMERALDA Arica Lab Nº (MIO) Iquique Museum reference number Type of artifact Type of sample Weight (g) MRI 0010 Organic sediment brushed from a ceramic 782 Aríbalo sherd fragment that corresponds to the aríbalo <0.1 Caja 7 bottom. MRI 0102 Compact organic sediment from the aríbalo 786 Aríbalo, bottom. The sediment is V-shaped, similar 3.3 Caja 11 fragmented to the aríbalo base. MRI 0107 793 Vessel Compact organic sediment associated with 8 Caja 11 vessel content. MRI 0112 794 Bag Vegetable sample of seeds, leaves, and fruit. 0.8 Caja 11 MRI 0113 795 Chuspa bag Organic sediment associated with chuspa bag. 10.9 Caja 11

846 DECEMBER 2016, VOL. 41 Nº 12 TABLE II the final product’s quality. TYPES OF STARCH GRAIN FOUND AT CERRO ESMERALDA Germinating, cooking, and Iquique Museum Cucurbita/ Phaseolus Zea Possible sieving techniques (e.g., with reference number Type of artifact and sample lagenaria sp. mays Manihot Total cloths) will reduce the amount MRI 0010 Caja 7 Aríbalo sherd, sediment (brushing) 0 1 1 1 3 of residual mash and the fer- MRI 0102 Caja 11 Aríbalo, sediment 1 1 2 0 4 menting (starch) material. MRI 0107 Caja 11 Vessel, sediment 1 0 0 0 1 These production processes MRI 0112 Caja 11 Bag, seeds, leaves, and fruit 0 0 0 0 0 could explain the minimal MRI 0113 Caja 11 Chuspa, sediment 0 0 0 0 0 starch presence in the concho residue. The data therefore suggest a careful preparation including Zea mays (corn), dif- Discussion In particular, the production of of chicha. ferent types of Phaseolus sp. a higher-quality alcohol drink We also need to consider (common beans or beans) and The presence of starch implies more steps or process- that fermented chicha has a Cucurbita/Lagenaria (gourds). grains and phytoliths of Zea es, such as germinating starch short shelf life (days to a cou- We also observed, in the com- mays in sherd brushing on (malting), cooking, sieving, and ple of weeks, depending on the pact organic aríbalo sediment aríbalo (MRI 0010) and con- fermenting. Hayashida (2008) preparation); it must therefore sample (MRI 0102), agglomer- cho compacted brown organic states that modern Andean chi- be consumed shortly after ates of Phaseolus sp. starch, residues (MRI 0102) recovered cha brewers obtain high-quali- preparation (Hayashida, 2008). which suggested cooking. The from the bottom of a fragment- ty chicha by sieving the wort As Zori and Urbina (2014: 212) other grain types that were ed aríbalo suggests these ves- (caldo) many times. The sieved stated, “no fewer than four found appeared to be non-clus- sels contained corn chicha. In material can be ground again important Inca routes converge tered (normal). The brushing other words, the aribalos were and reintroduced to the fer- in or near Tarapacá Viejo” sediment of the aríbalo sherd full of chicha when they were menting solution, increasing and one of them probably (MRI 0010) showed the pres- interred in the burial. The ence of ground Zea mays analysis of the residues showed starch, Cucurbita/Lagenaria corn starch but not clear fer- (squash/gourd), and possible mented (starch) granules, in- Manihot (Figures 2a-f). None cluding the MRI 0107 concho of the starch showed signs of sample. Despite the lack of fermentation and none of the evidence of fermented grain samples revealed the presence starch (but presence of maize of Prosopis sp. or psychoactive starch), it is still possible that plant residues, which could the aríbalo contained chicha. have been added to the drinks This proposition is based on during the mortuary rituals. the fact that the aríbalo is one Phytolith analysis identified of the ceramic vessels associat- the presence of eight morpho- ed with imperial drinking par- types coming from seven dif- aphernalia of the Late period ferent taxa: wavy/polylobed or Inca Horizon (1430-1532 (Subf. Bambusoideae), bilobate A.D.), particularly at Cusco punctate (Subf. Festucoideae), city, where chicha drinking bilobate (Subf. Panicoideae), was highly structured, ritual- polylobate (Subf. Pooideae), ized, and controlled by the rondel (Zea mays), acicular Inca state (Molina, 1943; (Cyperaceae), and elongated Lumbreras, 1969; Guamán echinated I (graminoids). Poma, 1980; Betanzos, 1996; Furthermore, few sponge spic- Dillehay, 2003; Cobo, 1990; ules and Epithemia diatoms Sarmiento de Gamboa, 2007). were identified (Figures 3a-j). These dates for the Inca The aríbalo compact sediment Horizon vary according to the sample (MRI 0102) presented geographic region and the type the highest diversity of mor- of samples dated, among other photypes (N=7). Many of the variables (Cornejo, 2014). found morphotypes correspond Despite the large presence of to taxa belonging to the mono- fine and compacted organic cotyledonous group, which in- ground residues (conchos) ana- clude Zea mays and the lyzed, we did not observe fer- Poaceae family morphotypes: mented starch or the macro-re- Bambusoideae, Festucoideae, mains of corn residues or other Panicoideae, and Pooideae plants. Thus, we propose that (Figure 4). Finally, the mac- this negative finding suggests a Figure 2. a, b: ground starch grains of Zea mays, c, d: starch grains of ro-remains analysis showed careful fermenting process. Phaseolus sp., e, f: starch grains of possible Manihot esculenta. Left that sample MRI 0112 were According to Jennings (2005), images (a, c, e) were taken under normal brighfield light, right images fern leaves and Schinus sp. ritual chichas were thinner (b, d, f) were taken under cross-polarized light. All samples from (seeds and fruits). than typical household chichas. brushing of ceramic sherd (aríbalo) of Cerro Esmeralda, MRI 0010.

DECEMBER 2016, VOL. 41 Nº 12 847 Figure 4. Analysis of morphotypes found in the phytoliths.

connected the valley to the The use of plants other than coast, including the Cerro maize is interesting and puz- Esmeralda site and the zling. Phaseolus is a genus that Huantajaya silver mine about includes native edible species 6.5km east of Iquique (see also of the region’s coastal valleys Berenguer, 2009). Thus, this such as Phaseolus lunatus high quality chicha could have ( beans) and Phaseolus been prepared in an important vulgaris (beans). One possible nearby economic center, such explanation for the presence of as Tarapacá Viejo, about 80km Phaseolus starch is that cooked northeast of Iquique. However, beans were added to aid in the the Epithemia diatom found in fermentation process. Beans the Cerro Esmeralda vessel must be eaten cooked; other- residues is present in shallow wise, they may cause stomach- lakes with high electric con- aches and cyanide poisoning ductivity (an indicator of salin- (Rodhouse et al., 1990). This ity) and coastal rivers in conti- requires further investigation nental aquatic ecosystems, as to whether the beans were while sponges are general indi- used to improve fermentation cators of marine and continen- or as nutritional complements tal aquatic environments during the Inca Horizon. (Figures 3f, I; Tapia, 2008). Evidence of remains of both Ferns and Schinus sp. mac- plants has been found in local ro-remains (MRI 0112) indicate archaeological funerary con- the presence of important lev- texts, and have an important els of humidity; the first are nutritional and symbolic rela- common in channels and lomas tionship (Horta, 2013; Arriaza and the second in riversides. et al., 2015). Thus, with respect to the qual- Cucurbita/Lagenaria is an- ity of the water used to make other edible plant found in the the Cerro Esmeralda chicha, starch concho sediments (MRI the types of phytoliths along 0102 and MRI 0107). Its distri- with the diatoms indicate both bution ranges from to fresh and brackish water, or at Bolivia (Ugent and Ochoa, least water with high salinity. 2006). It was also found in The quality of water used in Incan queros vessels from the chicha preparation cor- northern Chile (Arriaza et al., relates well with the environ- 2015). The presence of mental conditions of northern Cucurbita/Lagenaria in both Figure 3. Various types of micro-remains samples found at Cerro Chile’s coast. Cerro Esmeralda vessels could be due to chicha Esmeralda. a: Cyperaceae, b: Festucoideae, c: Graminoids, d: Panicoideae corresponds to the coastal preparation and serving tech- phytoliths (samples a-d were taken from aríbalo sediment, MRI 0102); mountain range that falls steep- niques. Often gourd bowls e: girdle view of a pennate diatom chain, f: Epithemia sp. diatom frag- ment, girdle view (samples e and f were taken from jar sediment, MRI ly over the Pacific Ocean; were used as jug dippers for 0107); g: Dicotyledon phytolith, h: sponge spicule, i: girdle view of therefore, the chicha of Cerro sipping and serving. Starch Epithemia sp. valve, j: Zea mays phytolith (samples g-j were taken from Esmeralda was probably pre- grains might detach from the chuspa bag MRI 0113). All images were taken under brightfield light. pared locally. gourds, ending up in the

848 DECEMBER 2016, VOL. 41 Nº 12 chicha drink. The possible leaves and ashes (Llipta) and ves and corn beer, respective- vessels contain flour of differ- presence of Manihot starch that a globular vessel con- ly), but this was not the case. ent products as part of the (Figures 2a-f) in the brushing tained Schinus molle and It is possible that parts of mortuary ritual of feasting sediment of the aríbalo sherd Prosopis beans. Our mac- these results are related to pol- with the dead (comer con el (MRI 0010) is another example ro-analysis supports Checura’s lution. It is possible that the muerto). The third explanation of an unexpected plant in this (1977) assessments of the archaeological materials have is that the pot containers (ol- type of vessel. These plants presence of seeds and fruit of been contaminated when they las) used to prepare the wort (Phaseolus sp., Cucurbita and Schinus sp. but no evidence of were buried in ancient times, (caldos) were not exclusively Manihot) are not described in Prosopis beans was found in when they were excavated and/ utilized to make chicha but colonial documents as a com- the analyzed samples. Pardo or when they were studied. were also used for multiple ponent used to make chicha for and Pizarro (2005) debated However, our results are con- cooking purposes, thus con- Inca state libations (Molina, that Schinus sp. and Prosopis sistent across all types of anal- taminating the operative fer- 1943; Guamán Poma, 1980; were also used to make honey yses conducted with both mi- menting chain and the final Cobo, 1990; Betanzos, 1996; Sar- and chicha during pre-Colum- cro-and macro botanical resi- chicha product. This last prop- miento de Gamboa, 2007). bian times in northern Chile. dues. The macro-botanical osition needs further investiga- However, they were found Despite the extensive use of contents of the bag have shown tion in the archaeological and along with maize in quero ves- chicha made with S. molle in micro-botanical consistent re- ethnographic records. Finally, it sels in northern Chile as part the , this fermented bev- sults, while compact aríbalos is also possible that a combina- of libation paraphernalia erage is not mentioned in residues (conchos) were sam- tion of these propositions, (Arriaza et al., 2015). The Zea colonial Spanish documents pled from inside, where infor- along with symbolic and ritual mays, Phaseolus sp. and for Inca state libations. mation is encapsulated. Also, behavior, could explain the Cucurbita/Lagenaria sp. were Accordingly, the presence of other archaeological objects of presence of different types of also among the staple foods of S. molle in a chuspa bag from the Azapa Valley in northern starch grains. The synergy of ancient Andean agricultural Cerro Esmeralda points to a Chile used in libation, such as these possible scenarios could populations in northern Chile different and potential (local?) queros, have shown similar be the essence of rituals at the (Erices, 1975; Muñoz, 1989, raw material to make chicha. results (Arriaza et al., 2015). Cerro Esmeralda burial. 2004; Pardo and Pizarro, 2005; The microanalysis sample of This suggests transverse rituals García and Santoro, 2014; the chuspa bag revealed six occurred in funeral behavior, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Arriaza et al., 2015). Thus, genera of phytoliths, which placing local agricultural prod- another explanation is that suggest the presence and use ucts as offerings. These prod- The authors thank the during the Cerro Esmeralda of several different plants for ucts (corn, beans, molle, etc.) Iquique Cormudesi Corporation ritual, people drank chicha their rituals (Figures 3, 4). are found in chicha vessels and for allowing to study and sam- with different types of flour, Some of the plants could have chuspa bags, perhaps as part of ple the Capacocha Collection which today is known as pi- been edible because elongated Collasuyu funeral practices. In of Cerro Esmeralda; the former huelo or chupilca (Pardo and dicotyledonous phytoliths come brief, all these plants found in Directors of the Museo Re- Pizarro, 2005). This mixed from Phaseolus, Cucurbita, Cerro Esmeralda grave goods gional de Iquique, Orietta drink also complements food. Schinus sp. (seeds to flavor may have more important local Ojeda and Francisco Tellez, Another possibility is that food), and Acacia (seeds used funerary ritual values than the and staff member Patricio several plants found in Cerro as medicinal aid). The Cype- obvious nutritional and fer- Muñoz, for providing facilities Esmeralda burials could be re- raceae family also has edible menting properties. and assistance; Pia Castañeda, lated to funeral rituals called parts. In addition, the presence James Watson and Susan comer con el muerto (eating of seven morphotypes in the Final Comments Kuzminsky for editorial input, with the dead), whereby the aríbalo compact sediment sam- and Octavio Lagos for the il- assistants or mourners offer ple (MRI 0102) corresponds to The presence of the starch lustrations. This project was food and chicha to the inhu- taxa belonging to the monocot- grains and phytoliths suggest funded by Fondecyt Grant No mations. Finally, in addition to yledonous group, which in- the preparation of high quality 1130261. local processes to make chicha, cludes Zea mays and the chicha (albeit using low-quality the presence of these plants in Poaceae family morphotypes: local water) in Cerro Esme- REFERENCES Cerro Esmeralda burials could Bambusoideae, Festucoideae, ralda under the Inca state. We be related to local ritual, nutri- Panicoideae, and Pooideae expected that chicha vessels Andrushko V, Buzon M, Gibaja, McEwan G, Simonetti A, tional, and agricultural behav- (Figures 3, 4). Festucoid and would contain only one type of Creaser R (2011) Investigating a iors from northern Chile popu- Panicoid phytoliths indicate the vegetal product (maize) but, child sacrifice event from the lations. In addition, they could presence of grasses, while the contrary to expectations, we Inca heartland. J. Archaeol. Sci. be related to quero vessels, presence of graminoids is not found several species of plants 38: 323-333. which were part of libation only an indicator of taxa, but in the residues. There are at Arriaza B, Ogalde J P, Chacama J, paraphernalia, besides the also of specific environments least four possible scenarios Standen V, Huaman L, and aríbalos in northern Chile with considerable water avail- that could explain the existence Villanueva F (2015) Estudio de (Arriaza et al., 2015). ability. Elongated dicotyledon- of various species of plants in almidones en queros de madera The same idea related to lo- ous morphotypes indicate the the vessels (aríbalos) of Cerro del norte de Chile relacionados cal ritual, nutritional, and agri- presence of herbs and shrubs. Esmeralda. First, the chicha con el consumo de chicha du- rante el Horizonte Inca). Estud. cultural behaviors is possibly Thus, the numbers of plants was prepared mainly with Atacam. 50: 59-84. correlated with the chuspa bag identified in the chuspa bag maize but was complemented Babot MP (2004) Tecnología y utili- (MRI 0113). Checura (1977) are similar to those found in with other plants such as zación de artefactos de molien- stated that a chuspa bag recov- the aríbalo. Supposedly, both Phaseolus, Cucurbita, and da en el noreste prehispánico. ered from the Cerro Esmeralda objects should have only one Manihot flour (pihuelo). Tesis. Universidad Nacional de Capacocha contained coca type of plant residue (coca lea- Another possibility is that the Tucumán. Argentina. 89 pp.

DECEMBER 2016, VOL. 41 Nº 12 849 Berenguer J (2009) Chile Bajo el tiva de banquetes políticos. Bol. Institute of Chicago. Chicago, logist and Paleoecologist. Alta- Imperio de los Inkas. Museo Arqueol. PUCP 7: 355-363. IL, USA. pp. 359-371. mira. Lanham, MD, USA. 238 pp. Chileno de Arte Precolombino. Erices S (1975) Evidencias de vege- Molina C de (1943) [1575] Fábulas Quevedo S, Durán E (1992) Ofren- , Chile. 144 pp. tales en tres cementerios prehis- y ritos de los incas. In Loayza das a los dioses en las monta- Besom T (2013) Inca Human Sa- pánicos, Arica (Chile). Chun- F (Ed.) Las Crónicas de los ñas: Santuarios de altura en la crifice and Mountain Worship. gara 5: 65-71. Molinas. Miranda. Lima, Perú. cultura Inka. Bol. Mus. Nac. Strategies for Empire Unifi- García M, Santoro C (2014) El maíz 230 pp. Hist. Nat. 43: 193-206. cation. University of New arqueológico como patrimonio Mostny G (Ed.) (1957) La Momia Reinhard J (1999) A 6700 metros ni- Mexico Press. Albuquerque, genético y cultural del valle de del Cerro El Plomo. Boletín del ños incas quedaron congelados NM, USA. 328 pp. Lluta. In Díaz A, Bastías E Museo Nacional de Historia en el tiempo. Natl. Geogr. (edi- Betanzos J de (1996) [1557] Narrative (Eds.) Lluta. Historias de los Natural Nº 27. Santiago, Chile. ción en español) 5(5): 36-55. 118 pp. of the Incas. University of Texas Cultivos del Maíz en un Valle Reinhard J (2005) The Ice Maiden: Press. Austin, TX, USA. 352 pp. Salado. Norte de Chile. Uni- Morris C (1974) Huánuco Viejo: An Inca Mummies, Mountain Gods, Bray T, Minc L, Ceruti MC, Chávez versidad de Tarapacá. Arica, Inca Administrative Center. In and Sacred Sites in the Andes. J, Perea R, Reinhard J (2005) A Chile. pp. 19-28. Sabloff J, Lamberg-Karlovsky Society. compositional analysis of pottery Gentile M (1996) Dimensión socio- CC (Eds.) The Rise and Fall of Washington, DC, USA. 384 pp. vessels associated with the Inca política y religiosa de la capa- Civilizations: Modern Archaeo- logical Approaches to Ancient Reinhard J, Ceruti C (2005) Sacred ritual of Capacocha. J. Anthropol. cocha del cerro Aconcagua. mountains, ceremonial sites, and Archaeol. 24: 82-100. Bull. Inst. Fr. Étud. Andines Cultures. Cummings. Menlo Park, CA, USA. pp. 191-208 human sacrifice among the Incas. Bray T (2009) An archaeological 25: 43-90. Archaeoastronomy 19: 1-43. Morris C, Covey A (2003) La plaza perspective on the Andean con- Guamán Poma de AF (1980) [1615] central de Huánuco Pampa: Reinhard J, Ceruti C (2010) Inca cept of camaquen: Thinking Nueva Corónica y Buen Gobier- Espacio y transformación. Bol. Rituals and Sacred Mountains. through late pre-Columbian no. Murra J, Adorno R (Eds.). Arqueol. PUCP 7: 133-149. Cotsen Institute of Archaeology. ofrendas and huacas. Camb. Traducciones Quechua de Jorge Los Angeles, CA, USA. pp. 280. Archaeol. J. 19: 357-366. Urioste. Siglo XXI. México. Morris C, Thompson D (1985) Huá- nuco Pampa: An Inca City and Rodhouse J, Haugh CA, Robert D, Ceruti MC (2003a) Elegidos de los Hart T (2010) Evaluating the useful- its Hinterland. Thames and Gilbert RJ (1990) Red kidney dioses: Identidad y estatus en ness of phytoliths and starch Hudson. London, UK. 181 pp. bean poisoning in the UK: An las víctimas sacrificiales del grains found on survey artifacts. Morris C, Corvey A, Stain P (2011) analysis of 50 suspected inci- volcán Llullaillaco. Bol. Ar- J. Archaeol. Sci. 38: 3244-3253. dents between 1976 and 1989. queol. PCUP 7: 263-275. The Huánuco Pampa Archaeologi- Hayashida F (2008) Ancient beer cal Project Volume I: The Plaza Epidemiol. Infect. 105: 485-491. Ceruti MC (2003b) Llullaillaco: and modern brewers: Eth- and Palace Complex. American Sarmiento de Gamboa P (2007) Sacrificios y Ofrendas en un San- noarchaeological observations Museum of Natural History An- [1572] The History of the Incas. tuario Inca de Alta Montaña. of chicha production in two thropological Papers 96. 234 pp. Bauer S, Smith V (Eds.). Uni- Universidad Católica de Salta. regions of the north coast of Muñoz I (1989) El Periodo For- versity of Texas Press. Austin, Argentina. 342 pp. Peru. J. Anthropol. Archaeol. TX, USA. 284xpp. 27: 161-174. mativo en el norte Grande (1000 Ceruti C (2015) Frozen mummies a.C.-500 d.C.). In Hidalgo J, Schobinger J. (1999). Los santuarios from Andean mountaintop shri- Horta H (2013) Queros de madera Schiappacasse V, Niemeyer H, de altura incaicos y el Acon- nes: Bioarchaeology and ethno- del Collasuyo: Nuevos datos Aldunate C, Solimano C (Eds.) cagua: Aspectos generales e in- history of Inca human sacrifice. arqueológicos para definir tradi- Culturas de Chile. Prehistoria. terpretativos. Relac. Soc. Arg. BioMed Res. Int. 2015: Article ciones (S. XIV-XVI). Estud. Andrés Bello. Santiago, Chile. Antropol. 24: 7-27. ID 439428. 12 pp. Atacam. 45: 95-116. pp. 107-128. Silva V (2012) Informe de Análisis Chávez J (2001) Investigaciones ar- Horrocks M (2005) A Combined Muñoz I (2004) Estrategias de Or- Antropológico Físico de las queológicas de alta montaña en procedure for recovering phyto- ganización Prehispánicas en Momias de la Capacocha Cerro el sur del Perú. Chungara liths and starch residues from Azapa: El Impacto de la Agricul- Esmeralda. Manuscript. Corpo- 23: 283-288. soils, sedimentary deposits and tura en un Valle del Desierto ración Municipal de Desarrollo Checura J (1977) Funebria incaica similar materials. J. Archaeol. Costero del Pacífico. Universi- Social de Iquique. Chile. Sci. 32: 1169-1175. dad de Tarapacá. Chile. 357 pp. en el cerro Esmeralda, Iquique. Tapia P (2008) Diatoms as bioindica- Estud. Atacam. 5: 125-141. Jennings J (2005) La chichera y el Ojeda O (Ed.) (2012) Qhapaq hucha tors of pollution in the Mantaro Cobo B (1990) [1653] Inca Religion patrón: Chicha and the energetic Cerro Esmeralda. Museo Regio- River, Central Andes, Peru. Int. and Customs [Historia del nue- of feasting in the prehistoric nal de Iquique. Chile. 32 pp. J. Environ. Health 2: 82-91. Andes. Archaeol. Papers Am. vo mundo]. Hamilton R. (Ed.) Pardo O, Pizarro J (2005) La Chicha Ugent D, Ochoa C (2006) La Anthropol. Assoc. 14: 241-259. University of Texas Press. en el Chile Precolombino. Mare Etnobotánica del Perú: Desde Austin, TX, USA. 279 pp. Knudson K, Yaeger J, Blom D (2006) Nostrum. Santiago, Chile. 127 pp. la Prehistoria al Presente. Cornejo L (2014) Sobre la cronología The Life History of an Inka Pearsall DM, Chandler-Ezell K, Concytec. Lima, Perú. 380 pp. Sacrifice Using Archaeological del inicio de la imposición cus- Chandler-Ezell A (2003) Wilson A, Brown E, Villa C, Chemistry. Am. J. Phys. An- queña en Chile. Estud. Atacam. Identifying maize in neotropi- Lynnerup N, Healey A, Ceruti 47: 101-116. thropol. 129(S42): 115. cal sediments using cob MC, Reinhard J, Previgliano C, Cummins T (2004) Brindis con el Lumbreras L (1969) Imperio del phytoliths. J. Archaeol. Sci. Arias F, González J, Taylor T Inca: La Abstracción Andina y Tahuantinsuyo. De los Pueblos, 30: 611-627. (2013) Archaeological, radiologi- las Imágenes Coloniales de los las Culturas y las Artes del Perry L, Sandweiss D, Piperno D, cal, and biological evidence Queros. Universidad Nacional Antiguo Perú. Moncloa-Campo- Rademaker K, Malpass M, offer insight into Inca child Mayor de San Marcos - Em- dónico. Lima, Perú. 377 pp. Umire A, de la Vera P (2006) sacrifice. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. bajada de los EEUU. Lima, McEwan C, Van de Guchte M (1992) Early maize agriculture and in- USA 110: 13322-13327. Perú. 635 pp. Ancestral time and sacred space terzonal interaction in southern Zori C, Urbina S (2014) Architecture Dillehay TD (2003) El colonialismo in Inca state ritual. In Townsend Peru. Nature 440: 76-79. and empire at late prehispanic inka, el consumo de chicha y R (Ed.) Ancient Americas: Art Piperno D (2006) Phytoliths: A Com- Tarapacá Viejo, northern Chile. los festines desde una perspec- from Sacred Landscapes. Art prehensive Guide for Archaeo- Chungara 46:x211-232.

850 DECEMBER 2016, VOL. 41 Nº 12