POLLEN, STARCH, PHYTOLITH, AND CHARCOAL ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES FROM SITES 26CK5986, 26CK6001, 26CK5984, 26CK1285, 26CK1138, AND 26CK1120, NEVADA

Summary

Thirteen sediment samples were submitted for combined pollen, starch, phytolith, and

calcium oxalate analysis in an effort to identify the presence of mesquite at any of the six

archaeological sites examined (26CK5986, 26CK6001, 26CK5984, 26CK1285, 26CK1138, and

26CK1120). Although all sites share the common goal of finding evidence of mesquite, the

features sampled vary by site. At 26CK1120, two cleared circles were of the type that

knowledgeable Native Americans indicate might have been used for piling up mesquite pods while

they were being collected. Site 26CK1138 is a small rock shelter in a setting that might have been

used for grinding mesquite pods. A mano was recovered and washed from this shelter. Site

26CK6001 is located in a floodplain that still contains stumps. Wood from these stumps was

submitted for identification. Finally, sites 26CK1285, 26CK5984, and 26CK5986 exhibit rock rings

and rock outlines of unknown use. Samples from these sites are included in this analysis.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• PaleoResearch Institute

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