First Phalanx Morphometrics Reveals Camelid Morphotype Variability at Los Batanes (11th/12th c. ce), Southern Coastal Peru

Abstract

Archaeological excavations at Los Batanes in the Sama Valley (southern Peru) have brought to light a newly founded diasporic settlement following the demise of the Tiwanaku State (ca. 500–1000 ce). Previous research has suggested that the residents practiced a multiresource agropastoral subsistence strategy, with South American camelids (SACs) serving as the primary large mammals. Native to the Andean highlands, camelids at Los Batanes (500 masl) highlight the need to evaluate which species were herded in the hyperarid coastal desert of southern Peru to elucidate their economic function. In this study, we analyze camelid first phalanges from Los Batanes using established morphometric techniques and compare our results with reference datasets derived from modern camelid species. Our findings reveal significant morphometric variability in camelids from Los Batanes, with sizes spanning the range of extant SAC species. The predominance of large-sized camelids in the sample, alongside evidence of small and intermediate forms, shows a diversified morphotype selection by ancient agropastoralists. These results indicate the presence of more than one camelid species or breed. This study provides critical baseline data on species diversity, advancing our understanding of pre-Hispanic herding practices and camelid uses in the hyperarid coastal environments.