POLLEN AND PROTEIN RESIDUE ANALYSIS AT THE CHINA WALL SITE, 48AB1, WYOMING

Previous pollen and protein residue analysis at the China Wall site examined a
stratigraphic record extending from prior to 8300 BP to the present and recorded significant
changes in local vegetation. In addition, pollen analysis of samples from features suggests that
plants such as Cheno-ams, grasses, and prickly pear cactus might have been processed.
Protein residue analysis pointed to bison, deer or elk, pronghorn, and possibly rabbit were
hunted and processed.

New stratigraphic pollen samples, representing an older cultural stratum dated to 10,600
BP, were collected and submitted for analysis. Dates from the new soil column span a period
from 10,600 BP to 7,400 BP. In addition, Late Prehistoric deposits from a surface excavation
were sampled, representing two anthrosols dated 460 BP and 880 BP. Eight hearths and areas
outside the hearths also were sampled for pollen. A sample of flaked lithic tools and associated
soil controls from the China Wall site (48AB1) were submitted for protein residue analysis. The
lithic tools were recovered from four different cultural levels dating as early as 10,600 BP.
Protein residue analysis on lithic tools can provide information regarding animals that might have
been hunted or butchered. Pollen analysis might indicate plants used prehistorically as well as
plants that grew in the local environment adjacent to the site. Analysis of a soil column for pollen
assists researchers in evaluating changes in environment and climate over time. Results of this
study are compared with past work at the China Wall site (Cummings et al. 1999).