POLLEN, STARCH, AND BLOOD RESIDUE ANALYSIS OF GROUNDSTONE FROM SITES IN LANDER COUNTY, NEVADA

Groundstone from six sites in central Nevada were examined for pollen, starch granules, and possible blood residues. Pollen and blood residue analyses address subsistence at these sites. Pollen analysis was undertaken on manos, metates, and groundstone fragments, while blood residue analysis was performed only on mortars and pestles. Pollen recovered from the ground surfaces may provide information concerning plants ground using manos and metates. Immunological studies have shown that blood residues from a tool's surface can be identified using modified forensic procedures. Blood residue analysis may provide information concerning animals processed using mortars and pestles.