Toward a global historical archaeology: An example from Brazil

Abstract

Schuyler has recently argued that historical archaeologists can make their greatest contribution to knowledge by preparing “historic ethnographies,” detailed studies of specific communities. Even though Schuyler’s view has merit, no study of the modern world—including historical archaeology—can be truly complete without considering the many connections that were normally maintained by inhabitants of historical sites. Historical archaeology must be a global, broadly conceived field that looks beyond the site to the wider world. The runaway slave community of Palmares in Brazil illustrates this position.