Diet, Mobility, Technology, and Lithics: Neolithization on the Andean Altiplano, 7.0–3.5 ka

Abstract Neolithization was a complex, protracted process of domestication, sedentarization, and technology change that occurred in various combinations times places around the world. Understanding causal relationships among those other important human behaviors remains an analytical challenge. This study examines through lens lithic artifact variation Lake Titicaca Basin, Peru. Drawing on previous lithics research, we outline synthetic model linking changing diet, mobility, projectile to predicted trends assemblages. The expectations are then compared two large, well-dated assemblages from Basin—one Middle/Late Archaic forager site Soro Mik’aya Patjxa (8.0–6.5 cal. ka) Terminal horticultural Jiskairumoko (5.2–3.4 ka). We find strongest signal is related introduction archery technology. Signals for subsistence declining mobility relatively weak. results suggest early but unconfirmed adoption Period with major transitions diet likely have subsequently or Formative periods. findings consistent behavioral which changes played prominent role evolution resource intensification residential sedentism as well privatization sexual division labor high Andes.