POLLEN ANALYSIS FOR AREAS 8/9 AND 14 AT PUEBLO SALADO, ARIZONA

Pollen and phytolith samples were examined from a variety of occupational proveniences within areas 8/9 and 14 at Pueblo Salado to examine the subsistence record. In addition to identifying vegetal elements of the subsistence base, examination of pollen from occupational proveniences provides evidence of patterns of economic activities. Pollen may contribute to an understanding of functional differentiation of space at Pueblo Salado, an element of Problem Domain I. Examination of the pollen record also assists in defining feature function. Soho, Civano, and Polvoron occupations are represented in these samples at Pueblo Salado. Comparison of the pollen assemblage between periods of occupation is made. Results of pollen analysis at Pueblo Salado may be compared with pollen recovered from a nearby fieldhouse occupation at Dutch Canal Ruin. In addition, pollen and phytolith samples were examined from probable agricultural field deposits. Specific questions within Problem Domain IV that may be addressed through the pollen record include the following. How can fields be recognized in other areas? What types of botanical remains are associated with fields? Are domesticates, economic native plants and noneconomic plants preserved? What may be inferred about the plant communities present in the prehistoric fields with respect to cultivated plants, those economically important species that may have been encouraged, and other plants?