Year: 2004
Type: article
Abstract: Archaeologists' cumulative knowledge about Paleoindians has grown substantially during the past two decades, and accomplishments have been impressive. I find, however, that much of the research regarding the archaeology of the Paleoindian period is primarily descriptive and highly particularistic. In this essay, I propose that our understanding of Paleoindian artifact assemblages, associated ecofactual materials, and human remains can be more meaningful within a broader biophysical context. We must ask how the archaeological record of the Late Glacial period might provide paleoanthropologists with greater insights into early hunter-gatherer anatomy, physiology, diet, health, and behavior. I propose that our understanding of hunter-gatherer life during the Late Glacial period may now be further enhanced by redirecting our attention toward several important technological responses that Paleoindians most probably made to cold stress and thermoregulation, including clothing, housing, and fire technology.
Source: Lincoln (University of Nebraska)
Author: Alan J. Osborn
Language: English
Subfield: Anthropology
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2218863325