POLLEN, PHYTOLITH, AND PARASITE ANALYSIS OF PRIVY DEPOSITS FROM OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA

Summary

A privy was excavated and sampled for pollen, phytoliths, and parasite eggs. Use of the

privy may date between 1865 and 1891-1896. Privy fill from levels 3, 6, and 8 was examined

for pollen, phytolith, and parasites to identify elements of the diet and parasites present. Levels

3 and 6 date from the 1870s and 1880s, while level 8 represents the Civil War period. Pollen

and phytolith analysis was undertaken to identify foods consumed and/or discarded in the privy.

Parasite eggs were identified in the course of pollen analysis to identify parasites present and

assess relative levels of parasitic infection during the three time periods represented.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• PaleoResearch Institute

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