POLLEN, PHYTOLlTH, MACROFLORAL, PROTEIN RESIDUE, AND X-RAY DIFFRACTION ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES FROM LOCUS 4 AT THE BLACK DOG MESA ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX, SITE 26CK5686, NEVADA

Samples from five pit structures, two external pits, and a ramada excavated during the
2000-2001 field season in Locus 4 at the Black Dog Mesa Archaeological Complex (26CK5686)
in southern Nevada were examined for pollen, phytoliths, macrofloral remains, protein residues,
and/or X-ray diffraction. A control sample from the site surface also was submitted for pollen
analysis. This site is a large, multi component complex consisting of seven individual locus sites.
Locus 4 contained a variety of features including several pithouse depressions, a cleared area, a
ramada, various pits, and Black Dog cave. Samples from Locus 4 have the ability to answer
research questions regarding subsistence practices of the Virgin Anasazi and the culture of
southern Nevada. Pollen, phytolith, and macrofloral analyses will be used to provide information
concerning plant resources available to and utilized by the prehistoric occupants of this area.
Protein residue analysis of groundstone washes can determine if prehistoric animal proteins are
present on the artifacts, while X-ray diffraction analysis of cobbles with red staining was undertaken
to identify whether or not red ochre was present.