Bone isotopes, eggshell and turkey husbandry at Arroyo Hondo Pueblo

Studies of archaeofaunal turkey and eggshell remains have identified a clear and consistent pattern of turkey husbandry across the prehistoric Southwest. Domestic turkeys appear to have been penned, fed maize, and kept genetically isolated from wild turkey populations. In this study we use carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values, scanning electron microscopy of eggshells, and quantitative analysis of turkey remains from Arroyo Hondo Pueblo (LA 12) to explore how turkey husbandry at this Pueblo IV site fits into the overall regional pattern. We find that although turkeys seem to have played a minor role in the overall faunal subsistence at Arroyo Hondo, they were nevertheless carefully husbanded, even during periods of climatic stress and human demographic fluctuation.