Pediocactus nigrispinus discovered in the Tekison Rockshelter Site
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC Ballroom C/D
Start Date
16-5-2013
End Date
16-5-2013
Abstract
The Tekison Rockshelter, located between Ellensburg and Wenatchee, was partially excavated in 1970 by “amateur” archaeologists. By August 1972, a grid was laid out, and the digging of Test Pit A had begun. Within Test Pit A from the surface down to the 59 inch level of the excavation, unique cactus spines were recovered each time in large amounts and appearing as if they had been cut from their bases and possibly scorched. The Sanpoil and Nespelem and the Thompson peoples burned and removed the spines of the cactus Opuntia polyacantha to aid acquisition of the flesh inside which was consumed. The Thompson were also known to steam cook Opuntia fragilis in pit ovens afterwards peeling the skin and eating the exposed flesh. The cactus spines recovered from Tekison resemble those of Pediocactus nigrispinus. Identification, using morphology and DNA, will shed light on uses of cactus plants.
Recommended Citation
Blanchard, Christian and Wooller, Ian, "Pediocactus nigrispinus discovered in the Tekison Rockshelter Site" (2013). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 94.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2013/posters/94
Poster Number
10
Additional Mentoring Department
Anthropology
Pediocactus nigrispinus discovered in the Tekison Rockshelter Site
SURC Ballroom C/D
The Tekison Rockshelter, located between Ellensburg and Wenatchee, was partially excavated in 1970 by “amateur” archaeologists. By August 1972, a grid was laid out, and the digging of Test Pit A had begun. Within Test Pit A from the surface down to the 59 inch level of the excavation, unique cactus spines were recovered each time in large amounts and appearing as if they had been cut from their bases and possibly scorched. The Sanpoil and Nespelem and the Thompson peoples burned and removed the spines of the cactus Opuntia polyacantha to aid acquisition of the flesh inside which was consumed. The Thompson were also known to steam cook Opuntia fragilis in pit ovens afterwards peeling the skin and eating the exposed flesh. The cactus spines recovered from Tekison resemble those of Pediocactus nigrispinus. Identification, using morphology and DNA, will shed light on uses of cactus plants.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Joseph Lorenz