Early Maize (Zea mays) in the North American Central Plains: The Microbotanical Evidence

Abstract

Artifacts, including ceramics, ground stone, and soil samples, as well as dental calculus, recovered from sites in the eastern North American central Plains were submitted to multiple laboratories for analysis of microbotanical remains. Direct accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) dates of 361–197 cal BC provide evidence for the earliest use of maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) in this region. Squash (Cucurbita sp.), wild rice (cf. Zizania spp.), and palm (Arecaceae sp.) microremains were also found. This research adds to the growing evidence of the importance of microbotanical analysis in documenting plant use and in the identification of early maize. The combined data on early maize from the eastern Plains adds to our understanding of the timing and dispersal of this crop out of the American Southwest. Alternative explanations for the adoption and early use of maize by eastern central Plains communities include its value as a secondary resource, as an addition to an existing farming strategy, or as a component of Middle Woodland rituals.

Middle Ohio Valley Maize Histories: New Dates from the Crossroads of the Midcontinent

“…The pathway(s) that maize took into the Plains is currently unclear, but macrobotanical evidence in the eastern Plains points to its appearance between cal AD 688 and 977 (Adair 2012). Recent microbotanical evidence suggests that maize was part of Indigenous systems in the eastern Plains as early as cal 361–197 BC (Adair et al 2022). This apparent lag signals a similar discrepancy between macrobotanical and microbotanical remains in the Eastern Woodlands.…”

Fatty Acids and Starch Identification within Minute Archaeological Fragments: Qualitative Investigation for Assessing Feasibility

“…To acquire samples from clay grids and archaeological fragments, an initial cleaning process using a sterile brush was conducted. Subsequently, for the extraction of potential biomolecules contained within the vessels, the following methods can be employed: direct scraping of the vessel or vessel fragment [42], or immersion of the vessel fragment in distilled water followed by ultrasonic treatment [43]. For this study, the direct scraping method was chosen due to its ability to provide the entire sample without dilution.…”