ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Archaeologist publishes paper in Journal of Archaeological Sciences: Reports

(A) Concreted shell and ash feature (G6-05) at ALA-11. (B) North lobe of concreted ash and shell feature G6-05. Red arrows indicate black layer sampled in this analysis

 

ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s Newest Archaeologist Tammy Buonasera just published a paper in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports!

Abstract: Ash and black char samples from seven combustion features at CA-ALA-11, an Early to Middle Period (ca. 2500 cal BCE to 585 cal CE) shellmound site on the San Francisco Bay shoreline, were analyzed for lipid, isotope, and phytolith content. Three features were intermingled with human burials and four were from nearby contexts not directly associated with human remains. Unlike more fragile biomolecules and floral remains, lipids and phytoliths can survive exposure to high temperatures. Together, these techniques supply independent and complementary lines of data for considering past cultural practices, local ecology, and post-depositional contributions. Our results shed light on the function and content of several combustion features, highlighting the untapped potential of such applications in the archaeology of California and elsewhere in North America.