PROTEIN RESIDUE ANALYSIS OF FOUR LITHIC ARTIFACTS FROM SITE 28GL266, EASTERN NEW JERSEY

Two projectile points and two bifaces from Site 28GL266 in eastern New Jersey were analyzed for possible protein residues. Immunological studies have shown that blood proteins on a tool's surface may be identified using modified forensic procedures. These artifacts were pre-tested using Hemastix Reagent strips that are currently used in the medical field to test for occult blood in urine. The Hemastix test reacts positively to the presence of hemoglobin and myoglobin. The four artifacts submitted for analysis yielded small positive and/or trace reactions to Hemastix. Protein residue analysis is used to provide information concerning possible use of these artifacts for faunal resource procurement and/or processing.