POLLEN, STARCH, PHYTOLITH, AND CHARCOAL ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES FROM SITES 26CK5986, 26CK6001, 26CK5984, 26CK1285, 26CK1138, AND 26CK1120, NEVADA

Thirteen sediment samples were submitted for combined pollen, starch, phytolith, and calcium oxalate analysis in an effort to identify the presence of mesquite at any of the six archaeological sites examined (26CK5986, 26CK6001, 26CK5984, 26CK1285, 26CK1138, and 26CK1120). Although all sites share the common goal of finding evidence of mesquite, the features sampled vary by site. At 26CK1120, two cleared circles were of the type that knowledgeable Native Americans indicate might have been used for piling up mesquite pods while they were being collected. Site 26CK1138 is a small rock shelter in a setting that might have been used for grinding mesquite pods. A mano was recovered and washed from this shelter. Site 26CK6001 is located in a floodplain that still contains stumps. Wood from these stumps was submitted for identification. Finally, sites 26CK1285, 26CK5984, and 26CK5986 exhibit rock rings and rock outlines of unknown use. Samples from these sites are included in this analysis.