MACROFLORAL ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES FROM THE DIRTY SHAME ROCKSHELTER (35ML65), MALHEUR COUNTY, OREGON

Four samples from the Dirty Shame Rockshelter (35ML65) in southeast Oregon were floated to recover macrofloral remains. This site is a large shelter (approximately 60 meters long) and was excavated as a part of the 2010 University of Oregon Archaeological Field School with support from Dianne Pritchard, Vale District BLM Archaeologist. Samples reflect fill from a pole and thatch structure (Feature 1), as well as sediments from levels within the shelter. Radiocarbon dates of 1140 ± 95 BP and 1175 ± 70 BP were previously obtained from Feature 1. A basket fragment from Level 19 of Unit 1 yielded a radiocarbon date of 2685 ± 20 BP, while a date of 2980 ± 20 BP was returned for a basket fragment from Level 22 of Unit 2. These dates suggest multiple occupations in the shelter. Macrofloral analysis was used to provide information concerning plant resources utilized by the shelter occupants.