Abstract
- Two potsherds from a single vessel were submitted from 31MG356, a site located in the Uwharrie/Croatan National Forest. The vessel underwent standard residue analysis as well as caffeine/methylxanthine analysis to test for the presence of yaupon residues, which would indicate the presence of Black Drink. The vessel was most likely not used as a cooking vessel, but more likely used for storage or serving. It contained primarily plant resources that were low in epicuticular waxes. Nut resources are possible sources of this residue, but this identification cannot be definitely confirmed. Presence of Black Drink is ambiguous. Caffeine and theophylline are absent from both residues; theobromine may have been present in small amounts in fragment #2 below the original calibration levels. Further analysis is ongoing at more sensitive detection levels to determine if theobromine can be confirmed in the fragment #2 residue.