Large precolonial villages in the Brazilian Cerrado practiced maize-based polyculture, evidence reveals

Large precolonial villages in the Brazilian Cerrado practiced maize-based polyculture, according to a recent study published in Science Advances. Researchers have uncovered evidence suggesting that some of these early societies cultivated maize within diversified agricultural systems, which supported large settlements. This challenges previous assumptions that such regions were primarily dominated by either nomadic hunting and gathering or intensive monoculture farming. The study, led by Eliane Chim, examined over 100 individuals from 37 archaeological sites spread across the Cerrado, Caatinga, and Atlantic Forest biomes. By analyzing stable carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotopes from teeth and bones, the team reconstructed dietary patterns during the Late Holocene period. Radiocarbon dating of human bone collagen, along with faunal isotope data, archaeobotanical findings, and paleoecological records, allowed the researchers to establish a detailed chronology of subsistence practices. Results indicate that inhabitants of open-air villages derived a significant portion of their diet from maize, while those residing in nearby rock shelters had more varied diets with minimal reliance on maize. These findings suggest that environmental factors alone could not explain the differences in subsistence strategies. Instead, they point to the existence of multiple cultural traditions and economic approaches within the same geographical area. Patrick Roberts, director of the Department of Coevolution of Land Use and Urbanization at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, emphasized that the study challenges existing narratives about agricultural development in tropical South America. He noted that maize was integrated into resilient polycultural systems that combined domesticated crops with wild plants and local ecological knowledge. André Strauss of the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at the University of São Paulo highlighted the significance of the Cerrado in precolonial land use discussions. While the Amazon has traditionally dominated conversations about Indigenous innovation, this research underscores the Cerrado as another key region where diverse societies developed unique methods of interacting with the environment. The study’s implications extend beyond archaeology. It contributes to understanding the historical impact of humans on the Cerrado, one of the world’s most biodiverse tropical savannas. The research highlights sustainable land-use strategies that shaped the landscape over centuries and offers insights relevant to modern debates on biodiversity conservation, Indigenous knowledge, and ecosystem management. Archaeological findings include artifacts such as Aratu funerary urns, which provide further context about the material culture and burial practices of these ancient communities. These items, excavated from sites like Vale Verde in Bahia, reflect the complexity of social structures and belief systems present in precolonial societies. The research team used advanced analytical techniques to determine the extent of maize cultivation and its integration into broader agricultural practices. Stable isotope analysis revealed that while some populations relied heavily on maize, others maintained a more diverse diet, incorporating a range of plant and animal resources. This diversity suggests adaptive strategies tailored to specific environmental conditions and resource availability. By integrating multiple lines of evidence, archaeobotanical remains, isotopic data, and radiocarbon dating, the study presents a comprehensive view of subsistence practices in the Cerrado. Such interdisciplinary approaches allow for a nuanced understanding of how precolonial societies managed their environments and sustained large populations through innovative agricultural techniques. Further studies are expected to build upon these findings, exploring additional archaeological sites and employing similar methodologies to uncover more about the agricultural and social dynamics of precolonial societies in the region. Researchers anticipate that continued investigation will refine current models of human-environment interactions and provide deeper insights into the resilience and adaptability of ancient civilizations.