Thesis
A spatial analysis of phytoliths at Tlacuachero in Chiapas, Mexico
Washington State University
Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
2013
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100578
Abstract
This thesis provides a spatially oriented analysis of phytoliths from an Archaic Period (8000-3000 BC) shellmound in Chiapas, on the southern Pacific Coast of Mexico. Approximately 4500 years ago, structures were constructed upon a series of prepared floors at the Tlacuachero archaeological site on the southwest coast of Mexico. Samples analyzed for their phytolith content were collected across the floors by Heather Thakar in a gridded pattern with 1 m increments. Although two floors were assessed in the analysis, this thesis is focused on Floor 1 since its excavated area was greater. In total, 42 phytolith samples were analyzed from the two prepared floors. Thirty-eight samples were analyzed from Floor 1, and four were analyzed for comparison from Floor 2. Although any structures which were constructed on the site did not survive the ravages of time, this thesis aims to shed light on the plants that were used to construct them through their phytolith remains. The analysis of these phytoliths has provided evidence of palms, presumably thatch, and other potentially economically important plants present at the site while it was in use. The role of cultigens, such as maize, at the site is explored, although no phytoliths corresponding to domesticates were identified.
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Details
- Title
- A spatial analysis of phytoliths at Tlacuachero in Chiapas, Mexico
- Creators
- Doug H. Drake
- Contributors
- Andrew Duff (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Anthropology, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525084101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis