Exploring South America: rich and diverse, this region of the world has become a unique laboratory for studying human cultural evolution
Article Abstract:
Major developments in archaeological research in South America in recent decades have concerned human colonization of the New World, early development of complex societies, and interpretation and conservation of archaeological sites. Monte Verde, Chile, the earliest known site in South America, dates to 12,500 years BP. Complex societies began to arise between 6000 and 5000 BP. Andean civilization dates back to about 2500 BC. Discoveries at Sechin Alto, Sipan, Laguna de Los Condores, and Huanuco Pampa in the Andes ; San Agustin, Colombia; and Tiwanaku, Bolivia, have advanced knowledge of cultural evolution.
Publication Name: Archaeology
Subject: Anthropology/archeology/folklore
ISSN: 0003-8113
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
North America's vast legacy: the past 50 years have witnessed dramatic progress in our understanding of the continent's past
Article Abstract:
Methodological and theoretical advances have vastly expanded knowledge of North American prehistory over the past 50 years of archaeological research. Significant developments include discovery of important sites such as Ozette on the Pacific Coast of Washington, Olsen-Chubbuck on the Colorado Plains, and the Old Crow River in Canada; research on the shift from foraging to agriculture; a regional rather than site-specific focus at Chaco; work on the contact period; and passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
Publication Name: Archaeology
Subject: Anthropology/archeology/folklore
ISSN: 0003-8113
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
The search for the earliest Americans
Article Abstract:
The question of how and when the Americas were first settled remains unsettled. The Clovis site in New Mexico had been accepted as the earliest prehistoric site, suggesting that the first Americans crossed the Bering Land Bridge around 12,000-11,000 BP. However, some sites that may predate Clovis have subsequently been found, such as Monte Verde, Chile. A Pacific Coast route has also been suggested, and there may have been a number of migratory pulses.
Publication Name: Archaeology
Subject: Anthropology/archeology/folklore
ISSN: 0003-8113
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Tapping into the past and dreading the hangover: Archaeology's staff tastes the world's oldest booze. Writing on the wall
- Abstracts: Building bridges: folklore in the academy. Folklore as transdisciplinary dialogue. Folklore and liberal learning
- Abstracts: Variations on antiquity: new exhibitions of classical art. Echoes of antiquity. Ancient Chinese treasures; six thousand years of Chinese artistry is highlighted in a trio of exhibitions
- Abstracts: Review of Aegean prehistory VII: neopalatial, final palatial, and postpalatial Crete. Review of Aegean prehistory VI: the palatial Bronze Age of the southern and central Greek mainland