PHYTOLITH, ORGANIC RESIDUE (FTIR), MACROFLORAL, AND POLLEN ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES FROM SITES LA 160727, LA 160739, AND LA 160741 FOR THE BLACK RIVER RESEARCH ANALYSIS, NEW MEXICO

Fill samples from thermal features at sites LA 160727, LA 160739, and LA 160741 in southeast New Mexico were examined for phytoliths and macrofloral remains. A single sample from the thermal feature at LA 160727 also was analyzed for pollen. In addition, fire-cracked rocks from the features were tested for the presence of organic residues, especially lipids, using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Radiocarbon dates suggest that LA 160727 represents a Late Archaic/Early Mogollon occupation, while LA 160739 and LA 160741 represent El Paso Phase (Pueblo Period) occupations. Phytolith, macrofloral, pollen, and organic residue (FTIR) analyses will be used to provide subsistence information concerning plant resources utilized by the various occupants of these sites.