PREFACE

exploited). If samples are collected from noncultural or poorly defined areas within a site,their information potential is limited.5. The better preserved the sampling context, the better the information retrieval. Highlydisturbed or eroded contexts will have a lower preservation potential for pollen and will alsohave a higher level of contamination.6. If fill from features is sampled, emphasize collection of pollen samples from primary,secondary or de facto cultural fill. Wind/water lain deposits and other noncultural depositshave low potential for yielding pollen data applicable to understanding the culturaloccupation.C. Where to collect samples:1. A sample from the modern ground surface is highly desirable; this should be taken away fromthe actual site area if possible (note on the bag where it was taken in relation to the site). Thesample is usually taken as 30-50 pinches from the ground surface, distributed over an area ofabout 100 m 2 or so, totaling about 1/2 cup in volume. This sample is a way to measure thedynamics of pollen transport in the site area today, and is a rough measure of the pollensignature of the current vegetation. The differences in pollen concentrations between themodern and prehistoric pollen spectra can help spotlight cultural influences in thearchaeological samples.2. As noted above, pollen samples should be collected from cultural contexts with integrity andcultural fill. In addition, some other factors to keep in mind are:a. Pollen grains can be destroyed by exposure to heat/flames, therefore thermally alteredlocations (hearths, burned floors) may reduce the representation of pollen in a sample.This is not to say that there will be no pollen in samples from such locations, but that thepollen content may be biased towards more durable grains.b. Samples with a high charcoal content are difficult to clean and analyze and thereforewill affect pollen representation.c. Stratified cultural fill within any sampled context should be sampled in discrete,stratigraphic units.d. Choose locations most likely to have been exposed to and to have trapped the pollenassociated with cultural activities such as, storage areas, against walls and in corners, lowtraffic areas.e. Choose locations which reduce the possibility of ambiguous interpretations.3. Well preserved use surfaces and activity areas around processing features. Scrape surfaceshorizontally, don't gouge out the sample. Take more than one sample from floors, especiallyif wingwalls or other features indicate the division of floor space. Sampling can be done on agrid system or randomly.4. Burials. Any pollen sampling in the context of human remains should only be performedfollowing consultation with the BLM or other appropriate agency for federal public lands andwith the NM SHPO for state and private lands. Such pollen collection should only be carriedout in accordance with data recovery plans that have been the subject of consultation underthe Archaeological Resources Protection Act, the Native American Graves Protection andRepatriation Act, or applicable State statutes. Take more than one sample, e.g. abdominalarea, under the body, but specify exactly where the sample was collected from in order toassist the analyst in distinguishing pollen associated directly with the body versus the burialpit or grave goods, etc.5. Cists, pits, mealing bins, storage areas. The bottoms and in corners are the best samplingareas if interested in use of the feature. If interested in the pit fill, which usually representspost-use of the feature unless it is primary fill, sample it incrementally, not as one big bag.6. Vessels. Sample the lowest part of vessel fill (you may wish to use some of the vessel fill as acomparative sample; value of information return will be determined by your research design).6-59