Division of labor and sex (in)equality among the marine hunter-fisher-gatherers of north-central Chile (5500–2000 cal BP)

Bibliographic Data

ID24230852
AuthorsMarta Alfonso‐durruty (0000-0002-5619-9245, Kansas State University), Nicole Misarti (0000-0003-2232-0964, Water and Environment Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks), Cristian Becker (0009-0003-1412-1348, Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba), Mario Henríquez Urzúa (Museo Regional de Rancagua), A Troncoso (0000-0002-2844-619X, University of Chile)
Year2026
Pages1-25
Publication date2026-10-14
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1556-4894 • E-ISSN: 1556-1828
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/15564894.2026.2727553
OpenAlexW7221776079
LanguageEN
References cited91

Understanding the local historical trajectories of hunter-gatherers requires a close examination of sexual divisions, as they may undermine egalitarian politics and trigger processes of social differentiation. This study examines the diet (stable isotopes and dental pathologies) and burials of males and females interred at Punta Teatinos, a coastal site located in north-central Chile (5500–500 cal BP), which included a cemetery that was used between 5500 and 2000 cal BP. Results obtained show that males and females differed in their diets, as males had higher dietary contributions from marine mammals, whereas female diets relied more heavily on marine birds and C3 plants. However, no significant differences were detected in burial practices suggesting an absence of male/female social differentiation. Dietary differences indicate, however, that males and females were involved in different activities, and consumed resources away from the center, contributing to the dietary diversity and success of the group.

burial · coastal archaeology · dental pathology · Diet · Division of labor · gender roles · hunter-gatherers · north-central Chile · sex inequality · social differentiation · stable isotopes · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · Maritime and Coastal Archaeology

Tools

Open DOI