POLLEN, PHYTOLlTH, MACROFLORAL, AND PROTEIN RESIDUE ANALYSIS OF ARTIFACTS FROM SITES FOR THE RANCHO SAN MIGUEL PROJECT, CALIFORNIA

Artifacts from three sites in the Rancho San Miguel Project in San Diego County, southern California, were analyzed for evidence of pollen, phytoliths, and protein residues. Results were compared with findings in associated soil samples. Unit fill also was floated to recover charred macrofloral remains. The project area is located on the first low foothills rising above the coastal plain at the edge of a major seasonal drainage as it descends to the lower elevations. Pollen, phytolith, and protein residue analyses will be used to provide information regarding possible plant and animal resources processed using the various artifacts. Charred plant remains recovered during macrofloral analysis also will lend insight into plant resources utilized by the site occupants.