STARCH AND PROTEIN RESIDUE (CIEP) ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES FROM THE AVALON OLD BRIDGE SITE, 28-MI-275, MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

The Avalon Old Bridge Prehistoric Site (28-MI-275) is located near Deep Run in Old Bridge Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Phase III archaeological data recovery of the site by RGA Cultural Resource Consultants revealed cultural materials from the Early Archaic to the Woodland periods (Lauren Lembo, personal communication, December 18, 2018). RGA submitted two groundstones (Samples 126a and 359) and two lithic artifacts (Samples 168a and 328) to PaleoResearch Institute for starch analysis and protein residue analysis (CIEP), respectively, to provide information regarding the plant and animal resources processed at the site.
The objective of the analyses conducted by PaleoResearch is to provide information on the possible uses of the tools submitted, including data on specific plant or animal resources associated with the tools. From these analyses, RGA seeks to answer broader research questions about intra-site dynamics, particularly with regard to subsistence practices and social interaction. In addition, RGA will explore the relationships between the Avalon Old Bridge Prehistoric Site and other nearby sites, with the purpose of understanding settlement in the Raritan River region.