POLLEN, PHYTOLITH, STARCH, AND ORGANIC RESIDUE (FTIR) ANALYSIS OF A CERAMIC SHERD FROM THE HOPE FARM-RICHMOND HALL SITE (36PH160), PENNSYLVANIA

Hope Farm-Richmond Hall (site 36PH160) lies on a terrace above the Delaware River in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Two sediment samples were collected from the last cultural layer and non-cultural sediments beneath for pollen analysis. Pollen analysis was designed to provide information concerning local vegetation prior to and at the time of at lease one of the occupations. In addition, pollen analysis of these two samples provides an opportunity to assess the pollen record from this site in terms of preservation and potential for future analysis. A single ceramic sherd was submitted for microbotanical and organic residue analysis. Residue from the sherd was examined for pollen, phytolith, and starch grain remains derived from the intact vessel when it was in use. The sherd was tested for organic residues using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The goal of this analysis was to provide information on the types of food that may have been cooked or stored within this vessel.