BRN 9-2 (uncompressed) - Flipbook - Page 4
In the American Southwest lac was used as an adhesive, a
sealant, and as a medical remedy by the early peoples.
Determining which adhesive had been used when surveying
archaeological specimens can be challenging. To that end
Bisulca, Pool, and Odegaard5 evaluated the adhesives in
more than 100 artifacts by using various methods including
UV-induced visible ßuorescence and microchemical testing
. . . for insect lac, a new microchemical test was developed
based on the pH sensitivity of anthraquinone dyes present in
insect lac exudates.Ó The two graphics at the center of the
next page are from this work. At the left, an example of the
use of insect lac (as well as pine resin) is shown. At the right,
the use of insect lac by the Mogollon people is documented.
Personal Survey
When I started my search for Lac Scale in the Black Range I
was warned that they were very few in this area. After
looking carefully at Creosote Bushes in good habitat for
more than twenty hours I had to agree. Do you know how
many ranchers will stop and ask you what you are doing
when you are looking at Creosote Bushes?
Finally, on 27 June 2025 I found several examples on bushes
south of Pony Hills, north of Deming. Time well spent!
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