POLLEN, STARCH, PARASITE, PHYTOLITH, MACROFLORAL, BOTANIC IDENTIFICATION, AND ORGANIC RESIDUE (FTIR) ANALYSES OF SAMPLES FROM SITE 24SB765, BUTTE CHINATOWN, MONTANA

Summary

Two sediment samples from a privy located in Chinatown at Butte, Montana, were

examined for pollen, starches, parasites, phytoliths, and macrofloral remains. The samples

were recovered from the bottom fill of an outhouse pit designated Feature 5. The outhouse

dates presumably to about 1902, the initial occupation of Chinatown. Records suggest that the

outhouse was in use for 20-25 years. Pollen, starch, phytolith, and macrofloral analyses will be

used to provide subsistence information concerning plant and animal resources utilized by the

users of the privy. The presence or absence of parasites will provide information regarding the

general health of the Chinatown residents. A third sample consisting of a “greasy” reddish

brown sediment found along the top and edge of the privy was submitted for organic residue

analysis using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) to determine if fats were present

in the sediment. Twenty botanic samples also were submitted for identification and to establish

a type collection of seeds from the site. These seeds were recovered from the three levels of

fill in the privy, as well as from a Euro-American sheet midden outside the privy.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• PaleoResearch Institute

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Linda Scott Cummings

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