Barking up the Right Tree?: The Puzzling Case of Conifer Resin in Pottery from the George Reeves site (11S650)
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
Ongoing analysis of pottery residues from the George Reeves site has detected molecular evidence for the presence of coniferous resins in approximately half of the samples. Such molecular evidence can derive from use of the resins as a sealant or flavoring agent; small amounts can also derive from firing pottery over coniferous wood. Conifer trees are relatively uncommon in the American Bottom region; only one species, the Atlantic Red Cedar, is known to live in the area at present, and there are two other possible species that may have lived in or near the area during prehistoric times. These species, however, were probably never abundant immediately adjacent to the site. Given the apparent rarity of conifers in the area, why is the resin present in so much pottery from the George Reeves site?
