MACROFLORAL AND PROTEIN RESIDUE ANALYSIS AT SITE AZ U:15:18(ASM), CENTRAL ARIZONA

Soil samples and lithic artifacts were analyzed from two boulder rock shelters at Site AZ U:5:18(ASM) in central Arizona. A soil sample also was examined from a ramada outside the rock shelters. Diagnostic artifacts recovered from these two rock shelters suggest multiple occupations ranging from the Late Archaic through Hohokam into Yavapai/Apache. Soil samples were floated to recover charred macrofloral remains that are used to provide information concerning plant resources that were utilized by the various occupants of the site. Lithic artifacts were analyzed for possible protein residues. Immunological studies have shown that protein residues from a tool's surface can be identified using modified forensic procedures. Protein residue analysis is used to provide information concerning use of prehistoric faunal resources.