19475
Author
Simpkins, Daniel L.; Allard, D.J.
Title Of Article Chaper
Isolation and identification of Spanish moss fiber from a sample of Stallings and Orange series ceramics
Title Of Journal Book
American antiquity
Volume
51
Issue
1
Pages
102-117
Collation
Map, table, 20 micrographs, 34 refs.
ISSN
0002-7316
Language Of Text
English
Literature Type
Serial
Literature Level
Analytic
Abstract
A sample of Stallings and Orange series ceramics from riverine and coastal sites in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida was analyzed for fiber content. A portion of each sherd was macerated in acid to release fibrous tempering agents. The fibers, as well as other potentially identifiable materials, were then isolated from the maceration and examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A comparison with published anatomical descriptions and fresh plant material revealed that the Stallings series sherds contained fibers and scales of <i>Tillandsia usneoides L.</i> (Spanish moss). Fiber-tempered sherds of the Orange series from the bluffton midden in Florida also contained Spanish moss, although it cannot be demonstrated at present that Spanish moss was the primary tempering agent of Orange series ceramics. -- AATA
Keywords
Archaeology;Ceramics temper fiber;USA, Florida Georgia South Carolina; analysis SEM AATA
pub_id
19475