Pottery wall thinning as a consequence of increased maize processing: a case study from central New York

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.

► Introduces a technique that can be applied to enhance evidence for maize use. ► Direct correlation between resources cooked in pots and wall thinning trends. ► Very strong negative correlations between wall thinning and bulk δ13C value trends. ► Maize became increasingly important after A.D. 200 in central New York.