Date of Award:

5-2024

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Sociology and Anthropology

Committee Chair(s)

David Byers

Committee

David Byers

Committee

Judson Finley

Committee

L. Suzann Henrikson

Abstract

Protein residue analysis has been used by archaeologists for decades to explore ancient diets and hunting behaviors based on proteins deposited on tools and artifacts, however, protein contamination of buried artifacts has been assumed but lacked formal study. Through a contamination experiment testing different geological contexts (e.g. water movement and freeze-thaw), possible routes of protein contamination within soil were identified, adversely impacting protein residue analysis conducted on buried artifacts. Protein was found to move through soil in large enough concentrations to elicit positive protein residue results on sterile artifacts that never made direct contact with the protein source used in this study. Furthermore, protein movement was identified in the absence of water movement and freeze-thaw conditions. More research and greater sample sizes are needed but the result of this study is compelling enough to provide additional caution when protein residue analysis is used on artifacts from buried contexts.

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