Phytolith taphonomy and distributions in archeological sediments from Panama

This paper presents the results of research into the nature, distribution and significance of phytoliths in archeological sediments from Panama. Four sites are investigated that span a time period dated by radiocarbon from 6600 BC to AD 500, and which encompass a range of human adaptations and ecological settings. The strengths and limitations of phytolith analysis are evaluated in relation to a diverse set of paleoecological issues. The results indicate that Panamanian archeological deposits contribute silicified structures from a large number of plant taxa. Phytoliths appear to be horizontally and vertically stable after deposition. There are problems in human paleoecology, such as the evolution of root cropping systems, that are not amenable to study with phytolith data. However, a considerable amount of information can be generated about some components of prehistoric seed cropping systems, wild plant usage, and landforms.