Decoding Early Human Diets: Rethinking the 'Macho Caveman' Stereotype

Archaeological Insights Challenge Notions of Meat-Heavy Diets

Reassessing long-standing assumptions about early human diets, recent archaeological findings¹ from burial sites in the Peruvian Andes between 9,000 and 6,500 years ago suggest a surprising narrative. Rather than the widely held belief in high-protein, meat-heavy diets, it appears that our ancestors were predominantly gatherers, relying on plant-based nutrition to a significant extent.

Digging into the Past: The Andean Perspective

Two key burial sites, Wilamaya Patjxa and Soro Mik’aya Patjxa, about a mile apart in the Andes mountains, have become pivotal in reshaping our understanding of early human diets. Contrary to the assumption of an 80% meat-centric diet, the analysis reveals a strikingly different ratio — 80% plant matter and 20% meat.

Human remains from Peru's Wilamaya Patjxa site reveal that ancient Andean diets were predominantly plant-based. Image credit: Randy Haas.

Rethinking the Transition to Agriculture

This revelation challenges the prevailing notion that the shift to agriculture was primarily a response to overhunting, proposing instead a more gradual evolution from foraging to farming. It suggests that wild potatoes and other root vegetables might have been staple foods before the advent of agriculture.

What the Bones Tell Us

Examining bones for carbon and nitrogen forms, researchers found intriguing insights. Burnt plant remains and distinctive dental wear patterns on upper incisors point towards a diet rich in tubers, potentially wild potatoes, as a significant food source.

Dispelling Archaeological Biases

The belief in early humans as voracious meat consumers is traced back to biases in archaeological records. Dr. Randy Haas, the senior author of the study, points out the influence of a pervasive "macho caveman" stereotype, often perpetuated by male archaeologists.

Beyond the Andes: A Global Reconsideration

This discovery prompts a broader reconsideration of early human diets globally, challenging preconceptions shaped by biased archaeological records and cultural stereotypes. It invites a shift in perspective, highlighting the importance of the 'gatherer' alongside the 'hunter' in shaping our understanding of our ancestral past.

1. Chen, J. C., Aldenderfer, M. S., Eerkens, J. W., Langlie, B. S., Viviano Llave, C., Watson, J. T., & Haas, R. (2024). Stable isotope chemistry reveals plant-dominant diet among early foragers on the Andean Altiplano, 9.0–6.5 cal. ka. PloS One, 19(1), e0296420. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0296420