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 CA-SDI-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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