Paleoindian Watercraft: Evidence and Implications

Abstract

Most researchers have not taken the probable presence of boats into account in formulating Paleoindian adaptive models. While no physical remains of Paleoindian watercraft have been identified, the existence of such boats can be inferred from diverse lines of evidence including the presence of antecedent watercraft in Asia, the difficulty of crossing from Asia to the Americas without watercraft, and early settlements on islands. This article explores the implications of possible Paleoindian boat use for a new understanding of colonization, hunting, settlement location, and lithic procurement.