Analysis of desiccated human paleofeces from big bone cave (40VB103), Van Buren County, Tennessee

Eight desiccated human feces recovered from Big Bone Cave (40VB103) were analysed for dietary contents, plant pollen, and evidence of endoparasitic infection. Radiocarbon dated materials from the cave indicated that it was a locus of human activity 2220 +/- 135 years ago. The dietary contents were primarily composed of three domesticated plant species: Iva annua, Chenopodium berlandieri ssp. jonesianum, and Helianthus annuus. Palynological evidence indicated that the primary focus of cave utilization occured during the spring months of the year. Endoparasitic species infecting the population using the cave were: Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoides, Giardia intestinalis,and an Ancylostomoid species tenatively identified as Ancylostoma duodenale. The evidence of endoparasitic infection preserved in the Big Bone Cave paleofecal sample is the most complete record available for Eastern North America. This information is a new contribution to understanding the relative health status and living conditions of the emergent horticultural societies of prehistoric Eastern North America.