Americanist Archaeology in 1984

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

The Americanist literature of 1984 is highlighted by two comprehensive, book-length accounts of the methodology of the new archaeology. The strong contrast between them is indicative of the lack of consensus among Americanists on fundamental issues. While other methodological and theoretical papers appeared, none presents any breakthroughs that might lead to such a consensus.The geographic emphases are similar to those of prior years, save for increased attention to Latin America outside the areas of high civilization. In North America, the Great Basin is notable for the lack of attention after a flurry of activity over the past several years. The appearance of books on regional archaeologies in America is making their substance available to non-specialists. Technical innovations proceed apace, with studies of botanical remains and ceramics continuing to be more exploratory in nature than the more developed fields of faunal analysis and lithic studies. The critical area of field methods is also a locus of active research.The basic problems in cultural resource management (CRM) remain unsolved; however, the literature in 1984 tends to focus on basic theoretical and ethical issues in a promising way. As several of the larger CRM projects draw to a close, it is encouraging to see the quality of the results and the demonstration that sound research of general significance is possible in this context. If there is a persistent trend in the Americanist literature, it is the exploration and integration of scientific technologies for measurement and observation into the routine practice of archaeology. While lower level progress, driven by technical innovation, is evident in many fields within the discipline, there are no comparable signs of progress in the theoretical realm. Here, as in the past, diversity is the most evident characteristic. The development of some general consensus on theoretical and methodological matters seems necessary if the lower level gains are to be consolidated and the discipline as a whole is to advance.