POLLEN AND PHYTOLITH ANALYSIS OF BLACK-STAINED STONES FROM SITE CA-ORA-950, CALIFORNIA

Site CA-ORA-950 yielded several broken rocks with a "black core staining" that has been noted at other local sites. These rocks are usually lumped with "fire-cracked" or "thermally altered" rocks. However, they do not exhibit other evidence of heating, therefore, it is possible that the black staining may be the result of cooking residue. Pollen, phytolith, and starch granule analysis were conducted on these rock fragments in an effort to identify their use. No control samples were examined.