POLLEN AND MACROFLORAL ANALYSIS AND IDENTIFICATION OF BOTANIC REMAINS FROM BLACK DOG CAVE, SITE 26CK5686/BLM 53-7216, NEVADA

Sediment samples recovered from a wall profile in Room 2 of Black Dog Cave (Feature 13, Locus 4) at the Black Dog Mesa Archaeological Complex (26CK5686/BLM 53-7216) in southeast Nevada were examined for pollen and macrofloral remains. Pollen analysis also was conducted on adobe from the bottom of a slab-lined storage pit in the room. Botanic remains from several units within the cave were submitted for identification. Black Dog Cave consists of an extensive cavern containing features and cultural material dating to the Basketmaker II/Basketmaker III period. Identification of pollen and macrofloral remains from the cave deposits will provide information concerning plant resources available to and utilized by the occupants of the cave, which will aid in understanding Virgin Anasazi development and expansion as a culture group.