Coastal Geophytes In Archaeological Contexts Of The Arreica Coast, North Of Chile

Abstract

This article presents a review of the role of geophytes as a staple source of carbohydrates for coastal populations in prehistoric time, as new data from recent excavations in Patache A, B, C site has been collected. Available information for archaeological sites located on the coast of Tarapacá, northern Chile, is reviewed thoroughly; specially the one about those sites that present geophytes collected in the mist oases located in the coastal cliff, which together
with river mouth environments, are the main source of useful plants for coastal inhabitants from this region. Ethnographic and historical precedents involving harvest and uses of geophytes are also revised. Botanical information of these plants: the cycles, dispersion and noticeability in the oases of mist, is considered. All the former in order to explore their availability, contributions to the diet and culinary habits of the ancient inhabitants of the arreica coast.