Subsistence and Demography: An Example of Interaction from Prehistoric Peru

Abstract

A series of basic changes in subsistence patterns affected the prehistoric population of the Peruvian desert coast. A shift from hunting-gathering to fishing and then to farming called for the exploitation of new and different resource complexes. After examining the nature of these complexes and reviewing the archaeological record of the Ancon-Chillon area of the coast, the problems and consequences of bringing a consumer population together with new resources of differing characteristics are investigated. Evidence for the existence of jural rights governing resource use is discussed. Demographic growth is then put forward as a significant factor contributing to the change in subsistence patterns that transpired in the Ancon-Chillon area.