Spatial Micro-Refuse Analysis: Understanding Plant Use and Management at a Classic Period Hohokam Trash Mound

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Multidisciplinary Investigations of a Transitional Early Classic Period Hohokam Trash Mound at AZ U:9:319(ASM), Mesa, Arizona" session, at the 90th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Trash mounds provide a unique opportunity for archaeologists to reconstruct past human behaviors. Previous work on Hohokam trash mounds has primarily examined macro-refuse, namely larger ceramics, shells, animal remains, and stone tools. However, there lacks a more nuanced interpretation that could be explored with micro-refuse or artifact types typically measuring between 0.5 - 5 mm. Micro-refuse is a promising line of evidence for archaeologists due to its invulnerability to some disturbances, relevancy to spatial patterns, and higher quantity and denser accumulation patterns than its macro-artifact counterparts. This study investigates plant use at an early Classic Period Hohokam trash mound at the site of AZ U:9:319(ASM) by examining micro-artifact types such as charred plant remains in conjunction with environmental DNA (eDNA). More specifically, this paper describes the methodology and results of spatial micro-refuse analysis of forty-four soil samples. The distribution and density patterns of seeds and charcoal identified at the site is described. This paper aims to contribute to broader discussions of subsistence strategies and resource management in the greater Hohokam area.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Multidisciplinary Investigations of a Transitional Early Classic Period Hohokam Trash Mound at AZ U:9:319(ASM), Mesa, Arizona   •
• Society for American Archaeology 90th Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (2025)

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 51577