The Socioecology of Indigenous Archaeological Maize in the Uinta Basin, Utah

This thesis investigates the phenotypic variability of maize (Zea mays spp.) from archaeological sites located in the Uinta Basin, Utah. Maize was first introduced to the American Southwest around 5,000 years ago following its migration via trade routes from its native region of southern Mexico (Vint 2017). The adaptation of maize to the arid and temperate conditions of the American Southwest and Mexico triggered significant phenotypic change resulting from human and environmental selection pressures. This thesis focuses on the analysis of uncharred maize cobs from seven archaeological sites in the Uinta Basin. The analysis includes 70 corn cobs—most of which are well-preserved— including 22 that have been radiocarbon dated. Additionally, this thesis examines variation in maize cob attributes over time and considers the implications of population dynamics, productivity and innovation on this variability. The results of this study indicate that there is phenotypic variability in Uinta Basin archaeological maize spanning A.D. 300 to 1100, coinciding with successive demographic transitions. This study provides a meaningful addition to limited research on maize in the region and the existing research on maize varieties south of the study area.