Abstract
Little research has focused on the analysis of plant macro-remains found in archaeological contexts in southwest Texas. This is a remarkable oversight considering the wealth of well-preserved plant remains found in rockshelters along the Rio Grande, Pecos and Devils Rivers. This study seeks to analyze the plant macro-remains from Hinds Cave, specifically lechuguilla (Agave lechuguilla), sotol (Dasylirion texanum) and yucca (Yucca spp.), in an effort to gain insight into the diet, methods of processing and material culture of mobile hunter-gatherers living in the Lower Pecos between 9,000 BP and 1,000 BP. Elucidation of the use of these desert evergreen genera will be aided with the use of a behavioral chain in which activities are organized into sequences of processing and the outputs recognized. By reference to ethnographic literature, demonstration of experimental activities and study of the archaeological remains three behavioral chains were constructed for each plant considered. By coordinating the outputs of the behavioral chain with the archaeological assemblage it was concluded that each species was physically processed in similar ways; however, each plant was unique in regard to its specific use in subsistence and/or incorporation in material culture. This uniqueness was evident by comparison of the actual archaeological assemblage and the proposed outputs of the behavioral chains themselves. Lechuguilla was processed for food and fiber (specifically in cordage and sandal manufacture), sotol leaves would have been used mainly in basketry and to a lesser extent as food. Yucca was processed for its fiber. Behavioral chains for lechuguilla, sotol and yucca were helpful in identifying those means by which the plants were processed and their uses as food, production of material culture or both.
Woltz, Ben vanDalsem (1998). The use of agave, sotol, and yucca at Hinds Cave, Val Verde County, Texas: reconstructing methods of processing through the formation of behavioral chains. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1998 -THESIS -W46.