Advances in Archaeological Method and Theory

List of Contributors

Contents of Previous Volumes


1 Cult Archeology and Unscientific Method and Theory

Cult Archeology

Interpretation of the Phenomenon of Cult Archeology

The Need to Deal with Cult Archeology

Conclusions

References


2 Evolutionary Theory and Archeology

Evolution

Cultural Evolution

Modern Evolutionary Biology

Evolution and Archeology

Some Conclusions

The Future of Evolutionary Theory in Archeology

Conclusions

References


3 The Archaeological Study of Adaptation: Theoretical and Methodological Issues

Introduction

Adaptation, Evolution, and Ecology

Cultural Adaptation

Components of Adaptation

Archaeological Approaches to Adaptation

Prospects

References


4 The Use of General Ecological Principles in Archeology

How General Principles Are Used: An Example

Some Logical Problems

The Ecological Explanation of Cultural Diversity

Conclusion

References


5 Explanatory/Predictive Models of Hunter-Gatherer Adaptation

Background

Ethnographic Studies

General Models of Hunter-Gatherer Adaptation

Models of Subsistence

Models of Settlement Location and Territoriality

Models of Population

Discussion

Conclusion

References


6 An Optimum Diet Model, Coastal Variability, and Hunter-Gatherer Behavior

Introduction

Model Definitions and Assumptions

An Energy-Based Model of Coastal Systems

Relative Productivity Ranking of Terrestrial and Nonterrestrial Zones

Least Effort-Least Risk Decision Making and Human Behavior

Archaeological Expectations

Additional Comments

Conclusion

References


7 Toward a General Model of Agricultural Systems

Introduction

Economic Approaches to Agriculture

Ecological Approaches to Agriculture

Toward a General Model of Agricultural Systems

Conclusion

References


8 Vicissitudes and Overkill: The Development of Explanations of Pleistocene Extinctions

Introduction

Realization of the Problem

Major Nineteenth-Century Explanations of Pleistocene Extinctions

Modern Explanations of Pleistocene Extinctions

Conclusion

References


9 Obsidian Hydration Dating: A Coming of Age

Introduction

Obsidian Dating in Archeology: Current Applications and Future Potential

Obsidian Dating: Research and Development up to the Present

Obsidian Dating as a Chronometric Technique: Problems That Limit Its Effectiveness

The Effect of Chemical Composition on the Obsidian Hydration Process: What Is Understood and What Is to be Done

Current Research

Sputter-Induced Optical Emission

Conclusion

References

Index