POLLEN ANALYSIS AT THE ARIVACA SITE (AZ DD:7:22), SOUTHEASTERN ARIZONA

The Arivaca Site (AZ DD:7:22) is located to the east of the town of Arivaca in southeastern Arizona at an elevation of 2600 feet. This site is located in a mesquite bosque, although the basin is ringed with oak wood land. Pollen samples were analyzed from the floor of Feature 1, the only structure excavated, as well as from a hearth and two pits within the structure, a single stratum within the midden, and two extramural roasting pits.Pollen analysis was clearly undertaken to identify elements of the vegetal portion of the subsistence base. In addition, pollen analysis specifically sought evidence of agriculture in the vicinity of this site. Pollen analysis may contribute directly to identification of the range of subsistence activities practiced at this site, including both agriculture and wild plant resource utilization.