Fisher-Hunter-Gatherer Complexity in North America

This book explores the forms and trajectories of social complexity among fisher-hunter-gatherers in pre-Columbian North America, demonstrating remarkable variation in circumstances and histories. It draws on archaeological research from several regions and emphasizes the wide range of complexity among these communities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 18 April 2023
Publisher: University Press of Florida

This captivating book delves into the diverse tapestry of social complexity among fisher-hunter-gatherer communities that thrived in coastal, estuarine, and riverine settings in pre-Columbian North America. Through a series of compelling case studies drawn from various regions and intellectual traditions, the contributors to this volume collectively showcase a remarkable range of variations in the circumstances and histories of these complex hunter-gatherer societies in maritime environments.

The volume draws upon extensive archaeological research conducted in the North Pacific, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest coast and interior, the California Channel Islands, and the Southeastern U.S. and Florida. These essays intricately trace the intricate social configurations that unfolded through monumental structures, ceremonial practices, territoriality, community organization, and trade and exchange. They reveal that while certain factors, such as boat travel, patterns of marine and riverine resource availability, and sedentism and village formation, serve as common threads across the continent, their manifestation unfolds in historically contingent ways within different contexts.

Fisher-Hunter-Gatherer Complexity in North America provides concrete and insightful examples of change and transformation within these communities, emphasizing the vast spectrum of complexity that exists among them. It delves into the concept of "complex hunter-gatherer" and offers valuable insights into its significance and limitations, contributing to an ongoing and nuanced dialogue within the field. By exploring these diverse case studies, the book sheds light on the rich and complex social dynamics that characterized these early societies, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities and resilience of human societies in challenging environments.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813069647