Regional Signatures of Hohokam Plant Use

Abstract

In this overview of recent archaeobotanical work we discuss several plant taxa that characteristically are present at archaeological sites within particular Hohokam areas, where they may be considered signature plants. The archaeobotanical data exhibit regional patterns, and to a lesser extent, temporal variability. The spatial differences were probably caused by: (1) differences in the natural availability of food resources; (2) food preferences that may be due to cultural variability; (3) induced variability to foster exchange; and (4) formation processes unique to archaeobotanical data. Signature plants therefore appear to be indicative of certain Hohokam areas.