Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-2017
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2017.07.021
Abstract
New analytical techniques in archaeobotany allow researchers to examine human plant use by developing interrelated, yet independent lines of evidence. Here we outline the results of a two-method archaeobotanical approach to investigate Archaic and Fremont Great Basin diets. We conducted both macro- and microbotanical (starch granule) analyses at nine archaeological sites located in central and southwestern Utah. Our results show that in contexts where macrobotanical remains are poorly preserved, the application of microbotanical methods can produce additional sets of information, thus improving interpretations about past human diets. In this study, macrobotanical remains represented seed-based dietary contributions, while microbotanical remains came primarily from geophytes. Results suggest largely overlapping diets for Archaic and Fremont residents of Utah.
Copyright Statement
This is an author-produced, peer-reviewed version of this article. © 2017, Elsevier. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives 4.0 license. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ . The final, definitive version of this document can be found online at Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2017.07.021
Publication Information
Herzog, Nicole M.; Baker, Meg; Pavlik, Bruce M.; Beck, Kelly; Creer, Sarah; and Louderback, Lisbeth A. (2017). "A Multi-proxy Approach to Archaeobotanical Research: Archaic and Fremont Diets, Utah". Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 15, 169-178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2017.07.021