The Caribbean before Columbus

Corinne L Hofman author William F Keegan author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc

Published:23rd Feb '17

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The Caribbean before Columbus cover

The Caribbean before Columbus is a new synthesis of the region's insular history. It combines the results of the authors' 55 years of archaeological research on almost every island in the three archipelagoes with that of their numerous colleagues and collaborators. The presentation operates on multiple scales: temporal, spatial, local, regional, environmental, social, and political. In addition, individual sites are used to highlight specific issues. For the first time, the complete histories of the major islands and island groups are elucidated, and new insights are gained through inter-island comparisons. The book takes a step back from current debates regarding nomenclature to offer a common foundation and the opportunity for a fresh beginning. In this regard the original concepts of series and ages provide structure, and the diversity of expressions subsumed by these concepts is embraced. Historical names, such as Taíno and Lucayan, are avoided. The authors challenge the long-held conventional wisdom concerning island colonization, societal organization, interaction and transculturation, inter- and intra-regional transactions (exchange), and other basic elements of cultural development and change. The emphasis is on those elements that unite the Bahamas, Lesser Antilles, and Greater Antilles as a culture area, and also on their divergent pathways. Colonization is presented as a multifaceted wave-like process. Continuing ties to the surrounding mainland are highlighted. Interactions between residents and new colonists are recognized, with individual histories contingent on these historical interactions. New solutions are offered to the "Huecoid problem" the "Carib problem," the "Taíno problem," and the evolution of social complexity, especially in Puerto Rico.These solutions required a rethinking of social organization and its expression on the landscape. There comes a time when the old foundation can no longer support the structure that was built upon it; this is that time.

Few monographs have been able to successfully paint the picture of this complexity in a coherent way. The Caribbean before Columbus is a laudable attempt to fill the void...By attempting to redefine Caribbean archaeology, Keeganand Hofman have tackled a monster, but they have provided a commendable summary of where we are, and an excellent base to build roads to where we would like to be. It will be cited for many years to come. * Isabel Rivera-Collazo, University of San Diego, New West Indian Guide *
This work offers new insights and alternative theories to refine or replace traditional and more commonly cited explanations of prehistory throughout the Caribbean region. It will inspire discussion and debate among scholars, and stimulate new generations of Caribbean researchers on prehistoric societies in the Caribbean. This volume serves as an important and useful tool for educators and students, and an essential reference in Caribbean prehistoric research. * Margaret E. Leshikar-Denton, Cayman Islands National Museum, Grand Cayman, International Journal of Nautical Archaeology *
An important feature of the book is its use of specific archaeological sites to illustrate important points. ... Summing Up: Essential. All university and four-year college libraries. * R. Berleant-Schiller, CHOICE *
In conclusion, I commend the authors for taking on an extensive and intensive overview of the ancient Caribbean and expressing new ideas... The book will be a good source of information and references for professionals, as well as for graduate and undergraduate students. * Antonio Curet, Antiquity *
This is a very significant contribution to Caribbean archaeology. Currently there is not a book out there that deals with as many new interpretations and frameworks or that clearly explains where things have gone wrong in the past. I consider this book to be essential for understanding Caribbean archaeology at any level from undergraduate to professional. ... I find the volume well written in a clear style and with good organisation. There are a lot of complex issues discussed but it is not by any means a difficult read. This is the best work I have found for teaching a senior level undergraduate seminar. * Richard T. Callaghan, International Journal of Maritime History *
The most current and comprehensive survey of the pre-colonial archaeology of the region, this book presents for the first time the complete histories of the major islands and island groups. It is thorough yet accessible, an immersive intellectual exploration of a world before its 'discovery'. * Current World Archaeology *

ISBN: 9780190605247

Dimensions: 160mm x 236mm x 23mm

Weight: 649g

356 pages