Prehistoric Exchange Systems in North America

Prehistoric Exchange Systems in North America PDF

Author: Timothy G. Baugh

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-03-14

Total Pages: 460

ISBN-13: 1475762313

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

In this unique volume, archaeologists examine the changing economic structure of trade in North America over a period of 6,000 years. Organined by geographical and chronological divisions, each chapter focuses on trade in one of nine regions from the Arachiac through the late prehistoric period. Each contribution explores neighboring areas to llustrate the complexity of North American exchange. By charting the econmic structure of these regions, archaeologists, economic anthropologists, and economic geographers gain greater insight into the dynamics of North American trade and exchange on a continental wide basis.

The American Southwest and Mesoamerica

The American Southwest and Mesoamerica PDF

Author: Jonathon E. Ericson

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-11-11

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13: 1489911499

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Regional approaches to the study of prehistoric exchange have generated much new knowledge about intergroup and regional interaction. The American South west and Mesoamerica: Systems of Prehistoric Exchange is the first of two volumes that seek to provide current information regarding regional exchange on a conti nental basis. From a theoretical perspective, these volumes provide important data for the comparative analysis of regional systems relative to sociopolitical organization from simple hunter-gatherers to those of complex sociopolitical entities like the state. Although individual regional exchange systems are unique for each region and time period, general patterns emerge relative to sOciopolitical organization. Of significant interest to us are the dynamic processes of change, stability, rate of growth, and collapse of regional exchange systems relative to sociopolitical complexity. These volumes provide basic data to further our under standing of prehistoric exchange systems. The volume presents our current state of knowledge about regional exchange systems in the American Southwest and Mesoamerica. Each chapter synthesizes the research findings of a number of other researchers in order to provide a synchronic view of regional interaction for a specific chronological period. A diachronic view is also prOvided for regional interaction in the context of the developments in regional SOciopolitical organization. Most authors go beyond description by proposing alternative models within which to understand regional interaction. The book is organized by geographical and chronological divisions to pro vide units of the broader mosaic of prehistoric exchange systems.

Trade and Exchange

Trade and Exchange PDF

Author: Carolyn D. Dillian

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2009-12-05

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 1441910727

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Long before the advent of the global economy, foreign goods were transported, traded, and exchanged through myriad means, over short and long distances. Archaeological tools for identifying foreign objects, such as provenance studies, stylistic analyses, and economic documentary sources reveal non-local materials in historic and prehistoric assemblages. Trade and exchange represent more than mere production and consumption. Exchange of goods also led to an exchange of cultural and social experiences. Discoveries of the sources of alien objects surpass archaeological expectations of exchange and geographic distance, revealing important technological advances. With thirteen case studies from around the world, this comprehensive work provides a fresh perspective on material culture studies. Evidence of ongoing negotiation between individuals, villages, and nations provides insight into the impact of trade on the micro-, meso-, and macro-level. Covering a wide array of time periods and areas, this work will be of interest to archaeologists, anthropologists, and anyone working in cultural studies.

Symbols in Action

Symbols in Action PDF

Author: Ian Hodder

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1982-01-14

Total Pages: 266

ISBN-13: 9780521241762

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Material culture - the objects made by man - provides the primary data from which archaeologists have to infer the economies, technologies, social organization and ritual practices of extinct societies. The analysis and interpretation ofmaterial culture is therefore central to any concern with archaeological theory and methodology, and in order to understand better the relationship between material culture and human behaviour, archaeologists need to draw upon models derived from the study of ethnographic societies. First published in 1982, this book presents the results of a series of field investigations carried out in Kenya, Zambia and the Sudan into the 'archaeological' remains and material culture of contemporary small-scale societies, and demonstrates the way in which objects are used as symbols within social action and within particular world views and ideologies.

Prehistoric Quarries and Lithic Production

Prehistoric Quarries and Lithic Production PDF

Author: Jonathon E. Ericson

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1984-07-26

Total Pages: 168

ISBN-13: 9780521256223

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

This book was originally published in 1984. For over a million years rocks provided human beings with the essential raw materials for the production of tools. Nevertheless we still know very little about the behaviour and processes that resulted in the creation of archaeological sites at or near lithic quarries. In the past archaeologists have placed much emphasis on the process of 'exchange' in their analysis of prehistoric economies while largely ignoring the sources of the exchanged objects. However, with the development of interest in the means of production, these sites have begun to take on a new significance. Prehistoric Quarries and Lithic Production is the first systematic study of archaeological sites that served as quarries for stone tools. Its theoretical and methodological importance will extend its appeal beyond those archaeologists concerned with lithic technology and prehistoric exchange systems to archaeologists and anthropologists in general and to geographers and geologists.

Production and Exchange of Stone Tools

Production and Exchange of Stone Tools PDF

Author: Robin Torrence

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1986-06-12

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 0521252660

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Refers to Gould's studies of lithic manufacture among Aboriginal peoples from the Central and Western Deserts ; Thomson's account of ceremonial exchange in Arnhem Land ; greenstone exploitation in New South Wales and South Australia.