Pushing Boundaries in Southwestern Archaeology: Chronometry, Collections, and Contexts

Pushing Boundaries in Southwestern Archaeology explores the conference theme of exploring the resuscitation of archaeomagnetic dating, the issue of Athapaskan origins, collections-based studies of social identity, foodways, and obsidian trade, and the challenges of a deeply buried archaeological record.

Format: Hardback
Length: 440 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2023
Publisher: University Press of Colorado

Pushing Boundaries in Southwestern Archaeology is a comprehensive collection of proceedings from the sixteenth biennial Southwest Symposium, delving into diverse topics within the field of archaeology. The conference theme, "Exploring the Past, Shaping the Future," encourages contributors to examine a wide range of issues, from the revival of archaeomagnetic dating to the complexities of Athapaskan origins, from the study of social identity, foodways, and obsidian trade to the genesis of rock art traditions and the challenges of uncovering a deeply buried archaeological record.

The first section of the book explores the status, history, and prospects of Bears Ears National Monument, a significant cultural site that has faced regulatory and political challenges. It examines the broader regulatory and political boundaries that complicate the nature and integrity of the archaeological record, as well as the cultural contexts and legal stakes of archaeological inquiry. The second section delves into the realm of chronological "big data" in the context of pre-Columbian history, discussing the potential and limitations of empirically derived insights from chronometric analysis of the past. The third section advocates for advancing collections-based research, highlighting the vast and often untapped research potential of archives, previously excavated museum collections, and legacy data. The final section examines the permeable boundaries involved in Plains-Pueblo interactions, a topic that has long been overlooked in archaeological analysis but is crucial for understanding the complex relationships between these cultural groups.

Contributors to Pushing Boundaries in Southwestern Archaeology are esteemed scholars and researchers from various institutions and fields. They include James R. Allison, Erin Baxter, Benjamin A. Bellorado, Katelyn J. Bishop, Eric Blinman, J. Royce Cox, J. Andrew Darling, Kaitlyn E. Davis, William H. Doelle, B. Sunday Eiselt, Leigh Anne Ellison, Josh Ewing, Samantha G. Fladd, Gary M. Feinman, Jeffrey R. Ferguson, Severin Fowles, Willie Grayeyes, Matthew Guebard, Saul L. Hedquist, Greg Hodgins, Lucas Hoedl, John W. Ives, Nicholas Kessler, Terry Knight, Michael W. Lindeman, Hannah V. Mat, and many others. Their insights and perspectives provide a rich tapestry of knowledge and understanding of the past.

Overall, Pushing Boundaries in Southwestern Archaeology is a valuable resource for archaeologists, historians, and anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of the Southwest. It offers a comprehensive examination of current research trends and challenges, providing valuable insights into the past and shaping the future of archaeological inquiry.

Weight: 912g
ISBN-13: 9781646423613