POLLEN ANALYSIS COMPARED TO AN ARCHAEOCLIMATIC MODEL AND MACROFLORAL ANALYSIS FOR SITES AZ CC:1:89 AND AZ CC:2:299, AZNG-SAFFORD, ARIZONA

Sites AZ CC:1:89 and AZ CC:2:299 belong to a large cultural complex containing 29
sites located in Maricopa County, Arizona, near the Gila River approximately 160 miles east of
Phoenix. Both sites are thought to have been prehistoric. Site AZ CC:1:89 consists of rock ring
features associated with a low density sherd and lithic scatter, while site AZ CC:2:299 is
probably a prehistoric horticultural site that also contains seven rock piles and a chipped-stone
scatter. Four samples collected from a roasting pit feature at site AZ CC:1:89 and two samples
recovered from the base of two rock piles at AZ CC:2:299 were examined for pollen and
macrofloral remains. Pollen and macrofloral analyses are used to provide information
concerning plant resources available to the prehistoric occupants of the sites. In addition, an
archaeoclimatic model was calculated for the Safford, Arizona, area to provide insight into
potential past climate of the area. It provides a model against which to compare pollen
evidence of local vegetation.