POLLEN, PHYTOLITH, STARCH, PROTEIN, AND ORGANIC RESIDUE (FTIR) ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES FROM THE RIVER ROAD SITE (36BU0379), PENNSYLVANIA

Summary

The River Road Site (36BU0379) in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was occupied by Late Woodland people. Sediment samples from a midden, a living surface, and stratigraphic stratum were submitted for pollen analysis to provide information concerning the past environment. In addition, artifacts and soil control samples were submitted for pollen, phytolith, starch, protein residue, or organic residue analyses specifically to provide subsistence information. Organic residues samples were examined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Sediment samples from a midden deposit and a buried living surface also were examined for pollen to provide subsistence information concerning plant resources utilized by the Late Woodland occupants of this site. Organic residue, phytolith, and starch analyses of ceramic sherds were performed to identify materials contained in the ceramic vessels, while analysis of organic residues removed from a pipe bowl was undertaken to identify materials smoked using this pipe. Pollen, phytolith, starch, and protein residue analyses of stone/lithic artifacts can provide information concerning plant resources processed and animal resources that were processed and/or hunted using these tools.

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• PaleoResearch Institute

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