Mexico, pollen, protein residue, agave spines (Other Keyword)

DOCUMENT Full-Text Linda Scott Cummings. Kathryn Puseman.

Three sediment samples were examined for pollen from sediments in a stratigraphic profile at Cueva Pilote in Encantada Valley, northeastern Mexico. Pollen analysis was undertaken to identify vegetation change through time in this area. Two groups of agave spines were submitted for protein residue analysis. The hypothesis under investigation is that the spines might have been used to tattoo people. If so, they should retain evidence of human protein residues.