PALYNOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF FIFTEEN VESSELS FROM MV820, MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK

Pollen samples were taken in 15 vessels in conjunction with excavations at MVB20 during the summer of 1969. In addition, two pollen samples were also taken from the clay below the floor in room 22, and inside the skull of burial 1B. These pollen samples were analyzed for their pollen content in an effort to determine probable vessel contents. The method of sampling these vessels yielded pollen samples representative of the general trash fill within the site rather
than being indicative of any possible contents within these vessels. It was possible, however, to interpret this data within the confines of the sampling procedures to yield information concerning the nature of the trash fill at this site. A pollen wash was taken from the residue in the bottom of one vessel which yielded information suggesting that the bowl contained a Cleome mush or gruel.