9.0 Immunological Analyses

The application of established immunological and chemical methods to the analysis of archaeological organic residues offers a new scientific means of evaluating prehistoric subsistence and ecology. Recent studies demonstrate that animal and plant protein residues are often preserved on artifacts for many years after their original use and that such residues can be identified to at least the family level (Heron et al. 1991; Hyland et al. 1990; Kooyman et al. 1992; Newman 1990; Newman and Julig 1989; Newman et al. 1992; Yohe et al. 1991). Information acquired from such analyses can be used in reconstructing prehistoric subsistence patterns, recreating past environments, and possibly in identifying task specific artifacts.