Paloma (archaeological site)

Paloma is a preceramic archaeological site located in the Chilca Valley of south-central Peru, approximately 75 kilometers south of Lima. It is significant for providing crucial insights into the early sedentary lifestyles and subsistence strategies of coastal populations in the Andean region during the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene periods.

The site was occupied between roughly 7700 and 4500 BCE. Excavations at Paloma have revealed evidence of small, semi-subterranean dwellings constructed from reeds, bones, and other readily available materials. These dwellings indicate a degree of sedentism previously thought to be less common among early coastal communities.

One of the key aspects of Paloma is its dietary record. Analysis of human remains and coprolites reveals a diet primarily based on marine resources such as fish, shellfish, and marine mammals. Terrestrial plants, particularly tubers, also played a role in their subsistence. Evidence suggests that the inhabitants of Paloma were experimenting with early forms of agriculture, possibly including squash and gourds.

The skeletal remains from Paloma have been the subject of numerous studies, providing valuable information on the health, demographics, and social structure of the population. Notably, the skeletons exhibit signs of malnutrition and disease, indicating the challenges faced by these early sedentary populations as they adapted to a new way of life.

Paloma offers a unique perspective on the transition from mobile hunter-gatherer societies to more settled, agricultural communities in the Andean region. Its well-preserved remains and extensive research have made it a vital site for understanding the early development of human societies along the Peruvian coast.