The Analysis of Palaeobotanical Remains from Native American Sites in the Tennessee Region of the Upper Cumberland Plateau.

• Main Author: Beck, Chase W.
• Format: Others
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2010
• Subjects: Palaeobotanicals; Native American Sites; Upper Cumberland Plateau; Late Archaic- Early Woodland Transition; Earth Sciences; Paleobiology; Physical Sciences and Mathematics
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1731; https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3086&context=etd

Sediment samples were collected from 3 rock shelter sites and one natural pond on the Upper Cumberland Plateau. Samples were processed to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate pollen and charcoal abundance as well as other palaeobotanicals. The analysis was to determine when prehistoric Native Americans began controlled burns to enhance resources acquisition. Samples were also analyzed for the presence of pollen to determine vegetation changes that may accompany the use of controlled burns and to determine the onset of horticulture. The Upper Cumberland Plateau is often considered a marginal area used only seasonally by Native Americans; however, management practices may have been highly refined to maximize resources acquisition. Results show evidence of overt land management and usage of the area by Native Americans over several thousand years. Remains indicate reliance upon nut producing trees. This reliance led to land management practices designed to maximize availability of said resources.