DIET AT JABUTICABEIRA II (SC): PLANT FOODS REVEALED BY MICROREMAINS FROM DENTAL CALCULUS

Autor: Boyadjian, Célia Helena Cezar, Eggers, Sabine, Reinhard, Karl Jan, Scheel-Ybert, Rita
Jazyk: portugalština
Rok vydání: 2016
Předmět:
Zdroj: 5391545420; V. 13, N. 25 (2016): JAN-JUN; 131-161
Cadernos do LEPAARQ (UFPEL); V. 13, N. 25 (2016): JAN-JUN; 131-161
Cadernos do LEPAARQ
Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL)
instacron:UFPEL
ISSN: 2316-8412
1806-9118
DOI: 10.15210/lepaarq.v13i25
Popis: RESUMO: A análise do conteúdo de cálculo dentário de coleções osteológicas é uma ferramenta poderosa para a Bioantropologia e a Bioarqueologia. Ela é particularmente importante para sítios arqueológicos a partir dos quais não foram recuperados restos botânicos; caso de muitos sambaquis. Neste estudo, analisaram-se grãos de amido, fitólitos e diatomáceas extraídos de cálculo de sambaquieiros de Jabuticabeira II. Sugere-se que plantas das famílias Araceae, Arecaceae, Convolvulaceae (Ipomoea batatas), Dioscoreaceae (Dioscorea sp.), Maranthaceae (Calathea sp.), Myrtaceae e Poaceae (incluindo Zea mays) eram consumidas. A identificação das diatomáceas reafirma o uso de recursos do ambiente lagunar no entorno do sitio. Número e distribuição dos microrrestos variaram consideravelmente entre indivíduos, sugerindo uma dieta mais diversificada para alguns. Porém, comparando-se assembléias de microrrestos por sexo, idade de óbito, patologias e características dos sepultamentos, não houve diferença entre eles. Grãos de amido danificados foram observados indicando processamento alimentar. Finalmente, a prática do cultivo por esse grupo não pode ser ainda confirmada, porém, a diversidade de tipos de microrrestos encontrados pode indicar que viviam em um sistema de economia mista, em que a pesca e coleta eram associadas a horticultura e/ou manejo de algumas espécies importantes.ABSTRACT: Analysis of dental calculus contents from human osteological collections is a powerful tool for Archaeology. It is particularly important for sites where archaeobotanical remains were not recovered, such as certain sambaquis. In this study, we analyzed starch grains, phytoliths, and diatoms obtained from calculus from sambaqui Jabuticabeira II. We suggest that plants from the families Araceae (taro), Arecaceae (palms), Convolvulaceae (sweet potato), Dioscoreaceae (yams), Maranthaceae (leren), Myrtaceae (pitanga), and Poaceae (including maize) were consumed. Damaged starches were recovered, indicating food processing. Variations in the number and distribution of starch grains among the individuals suggest a more diversified diet for some of them. However, no difference was found when comparing the starch assemblage by sex, age class, presence or absence of certain pathologies, and burial characteristics. Diatoms identification reaffirms the use of resources from the nearby paleolagoon. The diversity of plant microremains found as well as evidence of use of domesticated plants as food might indicate that the group lived in a system of mixed economy, where fishing and gathering were associated with horticulture. Although preliminary, the results presented here reaffirm the importance of plants in the daily life of the group from Jabuticabeira II and bring some important contributions to Brazilian Archaeobotany. Analysis of dental calculus contents from human osteological collections is a powerful tool for Archaeology. It is particularly important for sites where archaeobotanical remains were not recovered, such as certain sambaquis. In this study, we analyzed starch grains, phytoliths, and diatoms obtained from calculus from sambaqui Jabuticabeira II. We suggest that plants from the families Araceae (taro), Arecaceae (palms), Convolvulaceae (sweet potato), Dioscoreaceae (yams), Maranthaceae (leren), Myrtaceae (pitanga), and Poaceae (including maize) were consumed. Damaged starches were recovered, indicating food processing. Variations in the number and distribution of starch grains among the individuals suggest a more diversified diet for some of them. However, no difference was found when comparing the starch assemblage by sex, age class, presence or absence of certain pathologies, and burial characteristics. Diatoms identification reaffirms the use of resources from the nearby paleolagoon. The diversity of plant microremains found as well as evidence of use of domesticated plants as food might indicate that the group lived in a system of mixed economy, where fishing and gathering were associated with horticulture. Although preliminary, the results presented here reaffirm the importance of plants in the daily life of the group from Jabuticabeira II and bring some important contributions to Brazilian Archaeobotany.Paleodiet, Dental calculus, Shell mound, Plant microremains, Starch, Phytolith, Diatom
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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