Multielemental analysis of osseous remains by x-ray fluorescence to determine types of diets from the Cultura Lima (II B.C. - VIII A.C)

The multielemental analysis of 29 human bone samples and sediments from the Lima Culture (III c. BC to IX c. AC) were analyzed by x-ray fluorescence technique with Cd-109 excitation source Si(Li) detector, Canberra associated electronic and PCA-II nucleus multichannel card, in order to determine to determine the diet type of these antique inhabitant. The elements found in bone rests were Ca, Sr, Zn, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Rb, Zn and Pb, and As in one of the clavicles. In sediment samples we obtained a major quantity of elements. According to the Sr an Zn obtained values in osseous rest and the developed regression model, we can conclude that the ancient inhabitants of Lima Culture had an omnivorous feeding with a carnivore tendency due to its geographic location. (author). 35 refs., 9 figs., 10 tabs., 6 ills