elpais.com
Domesticated Llamas Unearth Ancient Cultural Exchange in Northern Chile
Archaeological excavations at El Olivar in northern Chile uncovered a mass grave with 56 domesticated llamas and over 200 humans dating back to 1090 AD, revealing cultural exchange and the symbolic value of llamas for a pastoralist population from the Bolivian Altiplano or Peru.
- How did the methods used in the study determine that the llamas were domesticated and not local guanacos?
- The study of llama remains at El Olivar challenges previous assumptions about llama domestication in the region. Isotopic analysis of bones and dental calculus indicated a mixed diet, including maize and boiled squash, further supporting domestication. Genetic analysis confirmed the llamas originated from the Bolivian Altiplano or Peru, indicating the arrival of pastoralist populations who practiced joint burials.
- What is the significance of the discovery of domesticated llamas at the El Olivar site in northern Chile?
- In 2014, construction near La Serena, Chile, unearthed a significant archaeological site, El Olivar, containing 56 camelid remains and over 200 human bodies buried together. Analysis revealed the camelids were domesticated llamas, not local guanacos, imported from the Bolivian Altiplano or Peru around 1090 AD. This practice ceased when the Inca arrived, treating llamas solely as beasts of burden.
- What are the broader implications of the El Olivar findings for understanding cultural exchange and the changing symbolic value of llamas in the Andean region?
- The El Olivar findings suggest a significant cultural shift in the region around 1090 AD with the arrival of pastoralists from the Bolivian Altiplano or Peru. Their practice of burying humans and llamas together, signifying a close relationship, ended with the Inca conquest, highlighting a change in the symbolic value of llamas. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term cultural impacts of this population movement.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents the archaeological findings and scientific analysis in a fairly objective manner. The narrative emphasizes the scientific process of determining the domestic status of the llamas, highlighting various methods employed and their respective results. The emphasis is on the scientific evidence and its interpretation, rather than promoting a particular perspective.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective, employing scientific terminology and quotes from researchers. However, phrases like "humanizing the relationship human-camelid" could be perceived as subtly anthropomorphizing the relationship between humans and llamas, which is possible without relying on anthropomorphism.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the archaeological findings and their implications, with less emphasis on potentially relevant sociological or historical contexts that could enrich the interpretation of the findings. While this is partly due to the nature of the scientific study, exploring broader societal structures and beliefs related to the llama's significance could enhance the analysis. The article also omits discussion of potential challenges or criticisms of the research methods.
Sustainable Development Goals
The discovery and study of the ancient burial practices in El Olivar shed light on the cultural and social dynamics of past societies. Understanding these past interactions and knowledge exchange contributes to a broader understanding of social structures and potential inequalities, which is relevant to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The research highlights the importance of intercultural understanding and the sharing of knowledge and resources, thereby contributing to more equitable societies. The research itself promotes equity by giving voice to marginalized past cultures and their practices.