CHARCOAL IDENTIFICATION, ORGANIC RESIDUE (FTIR) ANALYSIS, AND AMS RADIOCARBON DATING OF CHARCOAL AND BONE FROM SITES 32ME1030 AND 32MZ411, NORTH DAKOTA

A small amount of sediment from a prehistoric burn feature at site 32ME1030, North Dakota, was examined for macrofloral remains and organic residues. Charcoal recovered from the sample was submitted for AMS radiocarbon dating. Organic residues were identified using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). AMS radiocarbon dates also were obtained for two bison mandible fragments from site 32MZ411. These sites reflect prehistoric campsites found along the shores of Lake Sakakawea in western North Dakota. Macrofloral and organic residue analyses were used to provide information concerning plant resources utilized by the occupants of 32ME1030, while AMS radiocarbon dating will provide temporal information.