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Early Maize ( Zea mays ) in the North American Central Plains

The Microbotanical Evidence

Bibliographic Data

ID7601754
AuthorsMary J Adair (0000-0002-5173-1052, University of Kansas, corresponding author), Neil A Duncan (0000-0002-3178-7454, University of Central Florida), Danielle N Young (0000-0002-1067-1575, Film Independent), Steven R Bozarth (University of Kansas), Robert K Lusteck, Robert Lusteck (Minneapolis College)
Year2022
Volume87
Issue2
Pages333-351
Publication date2022-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Antiquity (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0002-7316 • E-ISSN: 2325-5064
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/aaq.2021.152
OpenAlexW4224219625
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited56

Artifacts, including ceramics, ground stone, and soil samples, as well as dental calculus, recovered from sites in the eastern North American central Plains were submitted to multiple laboratories for analysis of microbotanical remains. Direct accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) dates of 361–197 cal BC provide evidence for the earliest use of maize ( Zea mays ssp. mays ) in this region. Squash ( Cucurbita sp.), wild rice (cf. Zizania spp.), and palm (Arecaceae sp.) microremains were also found. This research adds to the growing evidence of the importance of microbotanical analysis in documenting plant use and in the identification of early maize. The combined data on early maize from the eastern Plains adds to our understanding of the timing and dispersal of this crop out of the American Southwest. Alternative explanations for the adoption and early use of maize by eastern central Plains communities include its value as a secondary resource, as an addition to an existing farming strategy, or as a component of Middle Woodland rituals

Agroforestry · Agronomy · Archaeology · Arecaceae · Biological dispersal · Biology · Botany · Crop · Geography · Palm · Squash · Woodland · Zea mays · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Forensic and Genetic Research · Forestry · Pacific and Southeast Asian Studies

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Unique citing works4
Citations per year2
Citation span2024 - 2026 (3)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 3
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