BLOOD RESIDUE, PHYTOLITH, AND POLLEN ANALYSIS AT SITE 41CS151, CASS COUNTY, TEXAS

Twenty-eight artifacts from Site 41CS151 in northeastern Texas were analyzed for possible blood residues. Immunological studies have shown that protein residues from a tool's surface can be identified using modified forensic procedures. In addition, a soil sample from a culturally darkened area (an apparent anthrosol) and a control sample from the modern A horizon of a column were examined for the presence of phytoliths. A groundstone fragment was washed to recover pollen from the grinding surface. The phytolith and pollen samples were also examined for the presence of starch granules. Pollen analysis was undertaken to identify possible plants processed using the groundstone. Phytolith analysis examined culturally darkened soil from Feature 2 to assist in identifying the origin of the fill. Blood residue analysis is used to supplement prehistoric subsistence information and provide possible artifact specificity.