The consequences of Wari contact in the Nasca region during the Middle Horizon: archaeological, skeletal, and isotopic evidence

During the Middle Horizon (AD 650-1000), the Wad polity expanded its sphere of control in various regions of the Andes, including Nasca on the south coast of Peru. The nature of the interaction between Wari and local communities varied. This study explores the consequences of Wan contact in the Nasca region at the site of La Tiza, which includes individuals dated to the Early Intermediate, Middle Horizon, and Late Intermediate periods. Using evidence for burial ritual along with demographic, paleopathological and isotopic data, population composition, mobility, diet, and health are investigated. delta C-13 data indicate a relatively stable diet through time at La Tiza with evidence for continued maize consumption, and paleopathological results indicate health problems associated with this type of diet. delta O-18 and Sr-87/Sr-86 data suggest that most of the individuals buried at La Tiza were local to the area. However, two female adults from the Middle Horizon burials are characterized as nonlocal based on delta O-18 and Sr-87/Sr-86 values and several individuals overlap with the Sr-87/Sr-86 local range for the Wan heartland. In conjunction with the use of new tomb types during this period these results highlight the ideological and populational changes occurring with Wad contact at La Tiza. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.