POLLEN AND MACROFLORAL ANALYSIS AT SITES AZ K:15:14 (ASM) AND AZ K:15:18 (ASM), ARIZONA

Sanples from Sites AZ K:15:14 (ASM) and AZ K:15:18 (ASM) in the Puerco
River Valley, Arizona, were examined for pollen and macrofloral remains.
Mogollon Brownware at Site AZ K:15:14 (ASM) suggests interaction with and/or
presence of Mogollon peoples in this valley that has been considered part of the
Anasazi region. Site AZ K:15:14 (ASM) is a multicooponent site, while AZ K:15:18
(ASM) appears to be a single corrponent site. Pollen analysis of sanples from
burials at Site AZ K:15:14 (ASM) may provide information concerning cultural
affiliations suggested by the characteristics of the interments or grave goods.
Pollen and macrofloral sanples from hearth and storage features at both sites may
provide answers to the following questions:
1. What kind of plant resources were exploited? Which
resources constituted the subsistence base? To what
extent did agriculture contribute to the subsistence
base?
2. Is there evidence for specialization in the exploitation
or cultivation of resources? Were certain resources
exploited to the exclusion of others? To what degree was
agriculture relied upon in relation to natural resources?
3. What methods of exploitation are suggested by the
botanical remains? What methods of food processing are
indicated by feature types and botanical remains?