Multi-isotope approach allows tracking the circulation of ceramics across the Andes (Argentina and Chile)

Abstract

The circulation of material culture across space is a central topic in Andean archaeology and has witnessed significant recent growth. Ceramics have been a part of this trend through the analysis of the abundance of chemical elements. However, the sourcing of ceramics through elemental analysis faces challenges that increase uncertainty in the assessment of provenance. Aiming at expanding ceramic sourcing and circulation, we present the first isotopic approach combining strontium, neodymium, and lead isotopes. This research is framed in a wider project based on bioavailable strontium studying territories, migration, and material culture. We built an isoscape of bioavailable strontium applied to identify the production areas. These first results show that a multi-isotope approach confidently discriminates areas of provenance. Broadly, the sherds from styles assigned to the western Andean slope (Llolleo, El Molle, local Inka) show low strontium and lead isotope ratios with high neodymium, consistent with the young ages of underlying rocks, including samples recovered across the Andes and confirming their large-scale conveyance. Conversely, sherds assigned to eastern styles (Agrelo) display high strontium and lead ratios. By exploring the potential of this approach to track ceramic production and conveyance, this research contributes to archaeological debates in the Andes and beyond.

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