POLLEN, PHYTOLITH, AND PROTEIN RESIDUE ANALYSIS FOR SITES AZ-P-54-24, AZ-P-54-177, AND AZ-P-54-179, APACHE COUNTY, ARIZONA

Pollen and phytolith analyses were conducted on samples from three sites within the Sanders rural community expansion area in Apache County, Arizona. Analysis was undertaken to answer research questions concerning cultural processes of site formation, to assist in determining regional development of Pueblo II and Pueblo III transition, to assist in identifying prehistoric cultural exchange, to identify evidence of past environment including vegetation and agricultural practices, and to understand the importance of domesticates in the diet. Through protein residue analysis, game and possibly hunting practices may be identified. Pollen and phytolith studies will best address identification of the past environment by assisting to reconstruct prehistoric vegetation.

Prehistoric land use also may be addressed in vegetation studies. Reliance upon both domesticated and wild food resources may be interpreted, at least in part, through the pollen record. Protein residue analysis will assist in understanding the faunal record. The cumulative pollen, phytolith, and protein residue interpretations may assist in understanding cultural processes in both the regional and local contexts. Pollen sampling also was undertaken to identify subsistence activities within individual sites.