Archaeological study of adhering organic residues in Pre-hispanic potteries of middle Paraná basin

Abstract

Plant microremains study constitutes a relatively recent national research line in archeology, with great informative potential to explore the relationships between human groups and plant resources in their environment. In Northeastern Argentina, these analyzes have begun to be applied in recent years in the lower Paraná basin, but are still scarce in the middle Paraná. This paper presents the first results obtained from the analysis of siliceous and starchy microremains in ceramic samples with organic residues, which came from archaeological sites located on the left bank of the middle Paraná basin, in the Entre Rios province. Data suggest that the vessels contained squash (Cucurbita moschata), sweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas), probably corn (Zea mays), and a variable presence of grasses. These analyzes provide evidence about the use of plant resources from pre-Hispanic groups who occupied the area during the late Holocene, and contribute to discuss regional problems linked to the dietary patterns of these groups.