Ecofacts – Plant and Animal Analyses

Abstract

Wet sites, due to reduced oxygen, provide excellent preservation of both plant and animal remains. Due to the clear importance of Sunken Village as an acorn leaching and processing location – largely because of the aquifer streaming through this approximately 100–125 m of intertidal beach – the focus in Section 4 is on the leaching pits and acorn remains. First we begin with a look at identifying the actual plant materials and fuels used at this site, requiring both visual observations of the plant remains and also cellular analysis of the wood, fibers and charcoal. Many of the perishable artifacts are introduced in this section while identifying their wood and fiber construction materials. Second we report the abundant acorns and acorn leaching pit features, so numerous at Sunken Village. Third, seed retrieval is explored, comparing the results of flotation techniques and fine wet screening. And finally, the faunal analysis reflects the use of these animal resources in a secondary position, and probably to support the group while managing the acorn leaching pits from this site. The obvious contrast here to other Northwest Coast and Columbia River sites is the reduced focus on fisheries from this location.