MACROBOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION AND PHYTOLITH ANALYSIS OF MATTING MATERIAL FROM THE EAGLE POINT SITE, 5RB4662, COLORADO

Macrofloral and phytolith analysis was conducted on a sample of matting material recovered from the Eagle Point Site (5RB4662), a rockshelter/overhang located along Piceance Creek in northwest Colorado. This shelter experienced multiple occupations, with radiocarbon ages ranging from 2510 to 1010 BP. The roof/overhang has collapsed; therefore, cultural deposits are exposed and eroding away. Excavations at the site have been ongoing for several years. PRI has previously conducted archaeobotanical analyses on various artifact-types from this site (Cummings and Puseman 2006). The goal of the current analysis is to identify the type of vegetation used in construction of the matting material to the greatest possible taxonomic resolution.