POLLEN AND BOTANIC ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES FROM THE STONE BALL SITE (48SW11666), SOUTHWESTERN WYOMING

Seventeen pollen and a single botanic sample were submitted for analysis from the Stone
Ball Site (48SW11666). Seven pollen samples represent hearth fills, six samples represent the
cultural level and ash/rock middens, and four samples represent washes of rock slabs used as
lining for slab-lined hearths. Two of these washes were examined from each component. Two
components were noted at this site. Component B, the oldest, is anchored by calibrated
radiocarbon ages of 5480 to 4570 BP. This component contained deep, slab-lined hearths, a large
basin-shaped hearth, an ash dump, and a stone ball. Stone balls found in Fremont sites in Utah
date to approximately 750-950 BP. "Some have speculated that these stone balls were grinding
implements" (unknown:2). This stone ball was not submitted for archaeobotanic testing that might
identify whether or not it had been used for grinding. Component A, which overlies Component B,
also exhibited slab-lined and basin-shaped hearths and a rock midden. It yielded radiocarbon ages
of 2270 ± 70, 3410 ± 70, and 3560 ± 70 BP. In addition, a single modern seed, recovered from
Feature 23, was submitted for identification.