POLLEN, MACROFLORAL, AND PROTEIN RESIDUE ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES FROM SITES IN THE NORTH MINE EXTENSION AREA, CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA

Pollen, macrofloral, and protein residue analyses were performed on soil samples and artifacts from eleven sites in the North Mine Extension Area, Mercer County, North Dakota. The fifteen pollen samples and four macrofloral samples were collected from hearth features, with the exception of samples from a possible cache pit (Feature 1) at Site 32ME1364. The pollen samples were systematically collected from five features at five different sites, with three pollen samples being collected from the vicinity of each feature; one within the feature fill and two outside the feature itself. All features were uncovered within the interior of stone rings or from possible cairns. Pollen and macrofloral analyses are used to provide information concerning plants that may have been processed in these features. Eighteen artifacts from within various stone rings also were analyzed for possible protein residues. Immunological studies have shown that protein residues from a tool's surface can be identified using modified forensic procedures. Protein residue analysis can provide information concerning prehistoric faunal resources that were utilized.