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

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.