Crossing the Borders: New Methods and Techniques in the Study of Archaeological Materials from the Caribbean

Significance of Wear and Residue Studies / 127
Figure 10.1. Location of the site of Plum Piece on
Saba.
facture of baskets, mats, or fish weirs. Grass seeds may have been processed (Hofman
and Hoogland 2003; Hofman et al. 2006). Certain plant species may have already
been cultivated in “ house- gardens” by Archaic Age people (Davis 2000:96;
Newsom 1993; Newsom and Pearsall 2003; Newsom and Wing 2004).
In pre- Columbian times the area was probably covered with rainforest. The
modern vegetation consists of secondary rainforest with some species reflecting
the remnants of the original forest. One of the characteristic trees now growing in
the area of the site is the palm Prestoea montana, or Mountain Cabbage (Lugo et al.
1998; Rojer 1997). The slopes below Plum Piece are said to be suitable habitats for
grasses and fruit trees such as papaya (Carica papaya), soursop (Annona muricata)
and sweetsop (Annona reticulata), arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea), and tuna
cactus (Opuntia spp.) (Hofman and Hoogland 2003; Hofman et al. 2006).
Sample Selection and Treatment
Four artifacts were first selected for a pilot study in order to determine their condition
and suitability for this type of analysis. Three of these artifacts were exca-
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