Analyses of organic residue from a conical pipe from the Niles-Wolford Mound (33Pi3), Pickaway County, Ohio. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marley, Meghan B.; Brownstein, Korey J.; Lepper, Bradley T.; Tushingham, Shannon; Leone, Karen L.; Rafferty, Sean M.; Gang, David R.; Pansing, Linda L.; Pickard, William H.; Six, Juli
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 19(2018)
• Page Start: 658
• Page End: 668
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Ohio -- Niles-Wolford Mound -- Wolford Mound Group -- Tubular pipe -- Tobacco; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2018.03.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Abstract: The Niles-Wolford Mound (33Pi3) was a conical Adena burial mound located along the Scioto River in Jackson Township, Pickaway County, Ohio. Excavations conducted in 1955 by the Ohio History Connection resulted in the discovery of a subfloor tomb with three burials. A tubular pipe found in association with one of the burials contained charred organic residue. Macrobotonical analysis of the material identified root or bark within the sample. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses detected the presence of various compounds, including an alkaloid. Radiocarbon dating places the mound to circa 2120 ± 30 BP. This research furthers our understanding of the timing, geographical extent, and ceremonial contexts of prehistoric plant tobacco use by the Adena culture and demonstrates the importance of museum collections for addressing such questions. Highlights: Analyses on tubular pipe charred organic residue from the Niles-Wolford Mound. Macrobotonical analysis of the residue identified root or bark. LC-MS analysis detected the presence of tobacco alkaloid in the residue. Radiocarbon dating places the mound and tobacco usage to circa 2120 ± 30 BP.