POLLEN, PHYTOLITH, MACROFLORAL, AND PROTEIN RESIDUE ANALYSIS AT SITE CA-SDI-12557, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Summary

Pollen, phytolith, macrofloral, and protein residue analyses were performed on soil

samples and artifacts from Site CA-SDI-12557 in San Diego County, California. Four pollen

control samples were collected from a stratigraphic column east of the site in an area that is

believed not to have been cultivated. The remaining pollen sample and two macrofloral columns

were recovered from a large living area feature. Twelve phytolith samples and two macrofloral

columns were collected from units scattered throughout the site. Eleven artifacts also were

found scattered throughout the site and were analyzed for possible protein residues.

Immunological studies have shown that protein residues from a tool's surface can be identified

using modified forensic procedures. Control soil samples for ten of these eleven artifacts were

tested. Radiocarbon dates, obsidian hydration results, and diagnostic artifacts suggest that CASDI-

12557 is a Late Period site. It is assumed that the Late Period occupants of the area lived

in permanent villages and migrated to the oak forests in the eastern mountains as part of their

seasonal rounds. There, they are believed to have exploited acorns, deer, and rabbits.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• PaleoResearch Institute

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