CERAMIC AND ORGANIC RESIDUE (FTIR) ANALYSIS AND AMS RADIOCARBON DATING OF SAMPLES FROM SITES PHC XZ11 AND PHC 0813, TULA VILLAGE, TUTUILA ISLAND, AMERICAN SAMOA

Summary

Ten ceramic sherds from sites PHC XZ11 and PHC 0813 in Tula Village at the east end of Tutuila Island, American Samoa, were submitted for organic residue analysis. One of these samples also was examined for pollen, phytoliths, and starch (ceramic residue analysis), and was AMS radiocarbon dated. Samples were tested for organic residues using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Ceramic and organic residue analyses provide information regarding diet, specifically foods contained and/or processed in ceramic vessels. AMS radiocarbon dating of residue from a single ceramic sherd was undertaken in light of confusing temporal information already obtained. Ceramic production is thought to have ceased at approximately AD 500, but radiocarbon dates on layers that directly overlie the pottery indicate an occupation from approximately AD 1500 to 1630. This discrepancy suggests the possibility that the ceramics had been redeposited and/or churned up from lower deposits. Radiocarbon dating residue from a single sherd addresses this question.

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