POLLEN, PHYTOLITH, MACROFLORAL, AND ORGANIC RESIDUE ANALYSIS (FTIR) OF SAMPLES FROM SITE LA 51225, DOÑA ANA COUNTY, NEW MEXICO

A total of three sherds from vessels at site LA 51225 in southern New Mexico were
submitted for pollen/starch, phytolith, and organic residue analysis, the latter using Fourier
Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Floated light fractions from the fill of a large pit with
cached artifacts, two thermal features, two trash-filled pits, and two rectangular pithouse
structures also were examined for macrofloral remains. Charcoal from a brush structure, maize
cobs, and a burned seed were identified. The site is located on a bajada just east of the Organ
Mountains in Doña Ana County and includes various features, structures, and culturallyenriched
surface deposits. Occupation of this site is believed to be associated with the Jornada
Mogollon, Doña Ana phase (A.D. 1100-1250) and the El Paso phase (A.D. 1250-1400). The
goals of the analyses include identification of foods that may have been cooked, processed, or
transported with the ceramic vessels, as well as to identify structure construction, subsistence
items, and feature use.