Paleovegetación y consumo de plantas en contextos Valdivia: análisis arquebotánico del sitio loma Entre Ríos

Abstract

CONDITION FOR PUBLICATION OF PROJECT. Loma Entre Ríos, located at Atahualpa parish, Santa Elena is a new Valdivia archaeological site. A paleosoil was found at the site, which has evidence of a Valdivia phases II and III settlement, with a 3000 BC dating. This research aimed to bring light to the environmental and cultural dynamics of the site through a botanic microrremains analyses (phytoliths and starch). The phytolith analysis was applied from two sediment cores extracted from the deposit of interest on the east profile of the excavation, in addition, the starch grain analysis was developed by obtaining samples for nineteen diagnostic ceramic fragments. The phytholith association revealed that the vegetation type was linked to a semi-arid and warm environment and grasses morphotypes were abundant. The family taxa found were: Poaceae, Marantaceae, Malvaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Asteraceae. The starch analysis ascertained the presence of maize, manioc and jack bean. In conclusion, Loma Entre Ríos findings position it as a fertile and continually occupied site with a diverse diet that included local plants. Keywords: Valdivia culture, botanic microrremains, vegetation, subsistence.