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The Archaeology of Ethnicity: Constructing Identities in the Past and Present
01 Jan 1997-
TL;DR: Sian Jones as mentioned in this paper argues for a fundamentally different view of ethnicity, as a complex dynamic form of identification, requiring radical changes in archaeological analysis and interpretation, and presents a comprehensive and critical synthesis of recent theories of ethnicity in the human sciences.
Abstract: The question of ethnicity is highly controversial in contemporary archaeology. Indigenous and nationalist claims to territory, often rely on reconstructions of the past based on the traditional identification of 'cultures' from archaeological remains. Sian Jones responds to the need for a reassessment of the ways in which social groups are identified in the archaeological record, with a comprehensive and critical synthesis of recent theories of ethnicity in the human sciences. In doing so, she argues for a fundamentally different view of ethnicity, as a complex dynamic form of identification, requiring radical changes in archaeological analysis and interpretation.
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TL;DR: Early Archaic to Historic occupations were unearthed during excavations at the Raven's Nest (48SU3871) site as mentioned in this paper, with the primary occupations occurring during the Late Prehistoric and Early Historic Periods.
Abstract: Early Archaic to Historic occupations were unearthed during excavations at the Raven's Nest (48SU3871). Excavation of 135 1 × 1 m units in 15 discrete areas within Raven's Nest resulted in the recovery of over 21,000 pieces of debitage, over 9000 faunal specimens, over 1100 prehistoric sherds and over 300 tools, including ca. 50 projectile points with the primary occupations occurring during the Late Prehistoric and Early Historic Periods. The Raven's Nest site likely functioned as a locality where stone tools and ceramics were produced by Numic-speaking peoples most likely the Shoshone. The predominance of three types of locally available tool stone in the lithic assemblage and their presence as raw material, flakes and finished tools indicates are indicative of stone tool production. On-site pottery-making activities at the Raven's Nest were identified by the large ceramic assemblage recovered from the site, the paste of the majority of the ceramics contain the same minerals that are present in the loca...
3 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, it is argued that the representation of a winged goddess was used by certain families to legitimize the control and possession of natural resources in the Iberian Peninsula.
Abstract: Summary
This article explores the ways in which the Iberian communities of the Iron Age developed a model of extension and legitimization for their social hierarchies. By analysing the testimonies of the ideational realm and the territorial occupation of the Iberian populations, it is argued that the representation of a winged goddess was used by certain families to legitimize the control and possession of natural resources. Thus, the contextual analysis of this goddess can explain a territorial domination established in the southern sub-plateau of the Iberian Peninsula. A Mediterranean model of the goddess is transformed by combining traditional and foreign elements to create a unique synthesis. What draws our attention, though, is how this new being was eventually integrated into the changes that took place in local populations, which established new constructions of space and new relationships of patronage. New practices appear, such as the persistence of ancient forms of pottery and a symbolic opposition to imported objects. In the following pages, I will identify the underlying process as a territorial division conducted by certain settlements as they explored a broader spatial control. I will explore one of these territories and the ideology employed to implement this form of domination.
3 citations
TL;DR: This paper examined diet choices and food service at two large villages in the Inka imperial heartland (Cuzco, Peru) and found that migrated retainer laborers had greater affinities with Inka practices than early Inka marriage partners.
Abstract: State expansion brings cultural change or persistence, and foodways reveal how status and identity result from these events. We examine diet choices and food service at two large villages in the Inka imperial heartland (Cuzco, Peru). Yunkaray was occupied during the time of early Inka expansion (eleventh to fifteenth centuries), whereas Cheqoq housed a late imperial (fifteenth to sixteenth centuries) multiethnic retainer population serving the Inka nobility. We use faunal remains and ceramic assemblages to reveal the uneven process of “Inkanization” and find that migrated retainer laborers had greater affinities with Inka practices than early Inka marriage partners.
3 citations
30 Sep 2004
TL;DR: Harrison et al. as discussed by the authors examined six prominent Pecos River Style anthropomorph attributes to determine if they are found in limited geographic districts of the LowerPecos Region.
Abstract: Rock Art Boundaries: Considering Geographically Limited Elements within the Pecos River Style. (May 2004) James Burr Harrison III, B.A., Texas State University-San Marcos Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. Carolyn Boyd This thesis examines six prominent Pecos River Style rock art anthropomorph attributes to determine if they are found in limited geographic districts of the Lower Pecos Region. Both Boyd (2003) and Turpin (2004) have suggested that spatially-segregated motif distributions exist in the rock art and that these patterns are important in understanding regional prehistoric huntergatherer lifeways during the Archaic Period. This study verifies that the feather hip cluster motif is geographically limited, identified only in the neighboring Seminole and Painted Canyon systems. As part of this spatial analysis, the previously undocumented principle of intersite stylistic traditions is introduced. Possible explanations for these anthropomorph attributes are also discussed. Finally, structural analyses of the six attributes are presented. Dr. David Carlson iii
3 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, archeological fieldwork conducted on a plot of land near the town of Chia (Colombia, South America) uncovered the remains of a small Muisca settlement occupied from the late Prehispanic period to the colonial period.
Abstract: Archaeological fieldwork conducted on a plot of land near the town of Chia (Colombia, South America) uncovered the remains of a small Muisca settlement occupied from the late Prehispanic period to the colonial period. The excavation program documented particular sets of features including postholes, pits, colored floors, and a burial. These elements provided a baseline for reconstructing the ground plans of perishable structures and architectural spaces. The components of built areas were key cultural referents for the peoples who lived in La Maria during the Prehispanic period. Important changes in the arrangement of the elements that comprise architectural space are observed during the colonial period, arguably as the result of important transformations in native culture.
3 citations