Pottery Wall Thinning as a Consequence of Increased Maize Processing: A Case Study from Central New York

TitlePottery Wall Thinning as a Consequence of Increased Maize Processing: A Case Study from Central New York
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsHart, JP
JournalJournal of Archaeological Science
Volume39
Pagination3470-3474
KeywordsBulk δ13C, Charred cooking residues, maize, Maize cooking, Pottery wall thickness, Zea mays ssp. mays
Abstract

The histories of maize in northeastern North America are not well understood at the subregional level. The complexity of formation processes for various lines of evidence for maize use requires the application of many analytical methods and techniques to produce data on subregional maize histories. The present analysis uses bulk δ13C values on directly dated charred encrusted cooking residues to provide the first direct correlation of water-based maize cooking to trends in pottery wall thinning. The results add to the growing body of evidence for the history of maize use in central New York.

URLhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2012.06.006
DOI10.1016/j.jas.2012.06.006