POLLEN AND PROTEIN RESIDUE ANALYSIS AT THE CHINA WALL SITE, 48AB1, WYOMING

Summary

Previous pollen and protein residue analysis at the China Wall site examined a

stratigraphic record extending from prior to 8300 BP to the present and recorded significant

changes in local vegetation. In addition, pollen analysis of samples from features suggests that

plants such as Cheno-ams, grasses, and prickly pear cactus might have been processed.

Protein residue analysis pointed to bison, deer or elk, pronghorn, and possibly rabbit were

hunted and processed.

New stratigraphic pollen samples, representing an older cultural stratum dated to 10,600

BP, were collected and submitted for analysis. Dates from the new soil column span a period

from 10,600 BP to 7,400 BP. In addition, Late Prehistoric deposits from a surface excavation

were sampled, representing two anthrosols dated 460 BP and 880 BP. Eight hearths and areas

outside the hearths also were sampled for pollen. A sample of flaked lithic tools and associated

soil controls from the China Wall site (48AB1) were submitted for protein residue analysis. The

lithic tools were recovered from four different cultural levels dating as early as 10,600 BP.

Protein residue analysis on lithic tools can provide information regarding animals that might have

been hunted or butchered. Pollen analysis might indicate plants used prehistorically as well as

plants that grew in the local environment adjacent to the site. Analysis of a soil column for pollen

assists researchers in evaluating changes in environment and climate over time. Results of this

study are compared with past work at the China Wall site (Cummings et al. 1999).

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• PaleoResearch Institute

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