What the study found
The study found that feathers in an elite pre-Inca tomb at Pachacamac came from four Amazonian parrot species and were brought across the Andes. The evidence also suggests the birds were kept alive on the arid coast before their feathers were recovered.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that their findings reveal a sophisticated, managed trade network operated by the Ychsma through intermediaries. They also say the study challenges views of pre-Inca regionalism and shows a multidisciplinary way to trace ancient exchange.
What the researchers tested
The researchers examined feathers recovered from an intact elite masonry tomb at Pachacamac, a coastal religious center linked to the Ychsma culture of the Late Intermediate Period. They combined ancient DNA, stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis, and spatial modeling, including species distribution models of ancient habitats and landscape resistance modeling.
What worked and what didn't
Genomic data identified Ara macao, A. ararauna, A. chloropterus, and Amazona farinosa, and showed high genetic diversity, which the authors interpret as evidence for wild capture rather than local breeding. Stable isotope analysis showed a C4-rich coastal diet, and the spatial models pointed to specific trans-Andean corridors used for exchange.
What to keep in mind
The summary does not describe experimental limitations beyond the specific tomb, site, and time period studied. The conclusions are based on feathers from one elite burial context at Pachacamac during the Late Intermediate Period.
Key points
- Feathers from an elite tomb at Pachacamac were traced to four Amazonian parrot species.
- Ancient DNA suggested the parrots came from wild populations rather than local breeding.
- Isotope evidence indicated the birds ate a coastal diet after being transported alive across the Andes.
- Spatial models identified likely trans-Andean corridors used in the exchange.
- The authors describe the trade as a sophisticated network operated by the Ychsma through intermediaries.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Ancient DNA traces a pre-Inca trans-Andean parrot trade
- Authors:
- George Olah, Pere Rosselló Bover, Bastien Llamas, Holly Heiniger, Rafael Segura Llanos, Izumi Shimada
- Institutions:
- Australian National University, Australian National University, Fundacion Agencia Aragonesa para la Investigacion y el Desarrollo, Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, King's College London, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, The University of Adelaide, The University of Adelaide, Universidad Antonio Ruiz de Montoya, Universidad de Zaragoza
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-10
- OpenAlex record:
- View
Get the weekly research newsletter
Stay current with scholarly research without reading academic papers — one filtered digest, every Friday.