PHYTOLITHIC ANALYSIS OF DENTAL CALCULUS FROM THE ANCIENT INHABITANTS OF THE CHINCHINÁ RIVER BASIN, COLOMBIA

A variety of microfossils such as pollen, starches, phytoliths and cyanobacteria originated from plant foods are trapped in the matrix of dental calculus. Among them, the group of phytoliths stands out, which are microscopic bodies of precipitated silica inside the cells or in the interstitial spaces along the structure of plants, generating mineralized particles of diverse sizes and shapes. Their morphological identification allows them to be classified taxonomically at the generic level and, sometimes, at the specific level, allowing the reconstruction of the diet of individuals and populations. In this work, we present the analysis of the phytoliths recovered, through a physicochemical process from the dental calculus belonging to 22 prehispanic individuals who occupied two sites (Palestina and El Edén) during the Early (<100 BC-600 AD) and Late (600-1600 AD) periods in the Chinchiná river basin, Colombia. The phytolithic associations found are mainly associated with grass morphotypes (trapeciform, bilobate, cross-shaped and saddle). In addition, globular equinate forms are related to families such as Bromeliaceae, Cannaceae and Arecaceae. The morphotypes associated with botanical affinities were present in both female and male individuals and in both periods, reflecting similarities in plant consumption. This work constitutes the first approach to the consumption of food plants through vegetable micro remains in the area, demonstrating an efficient use of available resources and documenting the genus Heliconia, which has not been previously detected in archaeological research in the region.