Experimental assessment of maize phytolith and starch taphonomy in carbonized cooking residues

Many taphonomic studies of plant microfossils, specifically phytoliths and starch, are concerned with post-depositional movement, contamination, and morphological changes due to environmental fluctuations or plant processing. Additionally, the identification of phytoliths and starches archaeologically are based on their presence or absence. This paper examines whether it is possible to identify maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) phytolith and starch abundance associated with different processing behaviors as replicated through experimentally produced cooking residues. If successful, identification of likely associated processing and taphonomy of these microfossils will allow for a more refined interpretation of plant use as it relates to timing and plant form and processing.

► Phytolith and starch formation and deposition in plant tissue is genetically controlled.
► Controlled experimental cooking residues assess phytolith and starch incorporation.
► Multiple processing techniques affect phytolith and starch taphonomy.
► Suggestions on likely human behavior made based on microbotanical deposition in cooking residues.