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DEMYSTIFYING THE MAYA • COLONIZING WESTERN FLORIDA • THE PSEUDOARCHAEOLOGY PHENOMENON americanamerican archaeologyarchaeologySPRING 2005 a quarterly publication of The Archaeological Conservancy Vol. 9 No. 1
NEW RESEARCH at Moundville $3.95 AA Spring 05 pg C1-12 B 2/15/05 8:02 PM Page C2
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archaeological tours LED BY NOTED SCHOLARS superb itineraries, unsurpassed service www.archaeologicaltrs.com AA Spring 05 pg C1-12 B 2/15/05 7:55 PM Page 1 american archaeology a quarterly publication of The Archaeological Conservancy Vol. 9 No. 1 spring 2005
COVER FEATURE 19 NEW REVELATIONS AT MOUNDVILLE BY MIKE TONER New research tells of this community’s beginning and end.
12 DEMYSTIFYING THE MAYA BY DAVID MALAKOFF Archaeologists once believed that the Maya mysteriously MOUNDVILLE ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK collapsed over a short period of time. This notion is facing a stern challenge.
26 COLONIZING WESTERN FLORIDA BY KC SMITH The Spanish colonized eastern and western Florida. An investigation shows how differently they approached the two regions.
33 WORKING TOGETHER BY ALISON STEIN WELLNER When the Eastern Pequot wanted to know more about their history, they consulted an archaeologist.
39 THE PECULIAR PHENOMENON OF PSEUDOARCHAEOLOGY TIM BARKER BY KENNETH L. FEDER Is the popularity of pseudoarchaeology reason for concern? 2 Lay of the Land 3 Letters 45 new acquisition A WOODLAND VILLAGE TURNED FRONTIER TOWN 5 Events The Conservancy’s latest preserve in Michigan has had 7 In the News a number of important occupations. New Dating Technique Applied to Prehistoric Hawaiian Temples • Evidence 46 new acquisition Supports Accounts of Aztec Sacrifice • HOHOKAM SITE PRESERVED WITHIN SUBDIVISION Middle Archaic Site Found in Colorado The Shamrock Estates preserve is a model for cultural resource management. 50 Field Notes 52 Reviews 47 point acquisition THE CONSERVANCY ACQUIRES A PLAQUEMINE CULTURE SITE 54 Expeditions Bayou Portage Guidry is an important prehistoric mound site. COVER: Perched atop Mound B, Moundville’s 48 point acquisition tallest structure, is a reconstructed version of IN PURSUIT OF THE FIRST MOUND BUILDERS the paramount chief’s house. Photograph by Richard Alexander Cooke, III The Conservancy preserves Louisiana’s Caney Mounds site.
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Lay of the Land
An Improving Relationship
he legal battle over the remains gists are working for the Eastern Pe- of Kennewick Man, the 9,400- quot tribe in Connecticut to help the T year-old skeleton found near tribe better understand their history. Kennewick, Washington, in 1996, This is not an isolated incident. All seemed to pit Native Americans across America, archaeologists are DARREN POORE against archaeologists for control of working closely with tribes. More and MARK MICHEL, President the nation’s history. While that dis- more tribes are establishing their pute did indeed emphasize (and ex- own historic preservation offices to For too many years, archaeolo- aggerate) conflict over the handling gain a greater knowledge of their gists were rightly viewed as non-Na- and disposition of human remains, it own history. They are hiring more ar- tives doing research on Natives. This was only part of the story. chaeologists every year—both Native situation is changing fast as the tribes Spurred to some degree by the and non-Native. They are building devote more resources to studying need to join forces to implement the state-of-the-art curation facilities and their own past and more Native Native American Graves Protection visitor centers on tribal lands with Americans become archaeological and Repatriation Act of 1990, archae- tribal money. The Conservancy works professionals. It is a positive develop- ologists and Indian tribes are working closely with these tribal archaeology ment that needs all of the encourage- together more than ever before. In programs to identify and preserve ar- ment it can get. this issue of American Archaeology, chaeological sites that are important we tell how non-Native archaeolo- to the tribes and the nation.
Archaeology learning adventures!
Excavation andTravel programs in the Southwest and the world beyond. © Branson Reynolds
Native American Art & Archaeology of New Mexico An intimate look at New Mexico’s rich legacy of Native arts & crafts—through the artists’ eyes. July 10–17, 2005
Woven Containers: A Navajo Basket Weaving Workshop Create your own beautiful basket, guided by World-class Navajo weavers Lorraine and Sally Black. July 24–30, 2005
Seasons & Cycles: Pathways of Pueblo Women A fascinating exploration of the lives and times of Pueblo Indian women through history. July 31–August 6, 2005
The Excavated Past Walk through a millennium of intrigue in this retrospective study
© Branson Reynolds of archaeology in the Mesa Verde region. August 21–27, 2005
For information and reservations Near Mesa Verde in Southwestern CO or for a Free 2005 program catalog 1-800-422-8975/www.crowcanyon.org
CST 2059347-50 CCAC’s programs and admission practices are open to applicants of any race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin.
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Letters
NPS Too PC Ban “Anasazi” I was astounded to For a long time, I have Editor’s Corner read in the Winter been bothered by Our feature “The Peculiar Phenomenon of issue that the na- your use of the term Pseudoarchaeology” examines the popu- tional parks were “Anasazi.” Pueblo larity of bogus archaeology and its effects. banning certain people have made it The article’s author, Ken Feder, an archae- books from their clear that this term ologist with Central Connecticut State bookstores. When I is an inappropriate University, has been studying and writing read who the authors name for their an- about this subject for some 20 years. He were, I was even more cestors. By contrast, teaches an introductory course in archae- surprised. Some of our in articles about historic-period ology, and over the years he’s polled his best archaeological authors are sites, you respect African-Ameri- students regarding their acceptance of banned because they did not use cans by using the term they prefer various myths supported by pseudoar- the correct wording for Anasazi for themselves and their forebears. chaeology. (oops, sorry, Ancestral Puebloan) I was moved to write by your In 2003 he asked his students if there or photographed rock art. article on banned books in national is convincing evidence that the lost conti- I have read many books by park bookstores. Every bookstore nent Atlantis exists. Thirty-three percent the banned authors and will sup- in the world has criteria for choos- of his students either strongly or mildly port them in any way I can, even ing stock. No bookstore carries believed that such evidence exists. if it means returning all the every book that is printed, or even Twenty-two percent expressed strong or books I have purchased from the every book on a particular subject. mild disbelief in this evidence. Forty-five Park Service over the years (after If you ran a bookstore, I doubt that percent had no opinion. all, they are now considered “cul- you would carry titles that are con- Some people might find it surprising, turally incorrect”). It is, as one of sidered disrespectful of the people perhaps even shocking, that only 22 per- the authors, Polly Schaafsma, about whom the books were writ- cent of these university students believe stated, a “terrible infringement ten, especially if those people are Atlantis to be a fiction. Feder explained on intellectual freedom.” Politi- your co-workers and neighbors. that his is the first archaeology class that cal correctness has gone much many of these students take, and their too far. Perhaps a note attached Chris Judson previous exposure to the subject often to the inside of the cover of Los Alamos, New Mexico comes in the form of television shows these banned books explaining that glamorize pseudoarchaeology. Re- how some groups feel about Sending Letters to viewing the poll with that in mind, the re- some of the wording in the text sults aren’t so surprising. would be a smarter way of han- American Archaeology The students who believe in Atlantis dling the situation. For example, may also believe in other myths, such as American Archaeology welcomes “This book is rated politically in- extraterrestrials visiting Earth in prehis- your letters. Write to us at correct by some cultures” might toric times to nudge human civilization 5301 Central Avenue NE, Suite 902, be a solution. Albuquerque, NM 87108-1517, or along. To Feder and other archaeologists, I will write the National Park send us e-mail at [email protected]. We this susceptibility to myths is no small Service to complain. American reserve the right to edit and publish letters matter. They think it suggests the public’s Archaeology is a terrific maga- in the magazine’s Letters department as inability to distinguish science from pseu- zine. Keep up the great work. space permits. Please include your name, doscience. No small matter, indeed. address and telephone number with all Tina Nupuf correspondence, including e-mail messages. Canoga Park, CA
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WELCOME TO THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSERVANCY! 5301 Central Avenue NE, Suite 902 Albuquerque, NM 87108-1517 • (505) 266-1540 www.americanarchaeology.org he Archaeological Conservancy is the only national non-profit Board of Directors organization that identifies, ac- Vincas Steponaitis, North Carolina, CHAIRMAN quires, and preserves the most Cecil F. Antone, Arizona • Carol Condie, New Mexico Janet Creighton, Washington • Janet EtsHokin, Illinois significant archaeological sites in the t Jerry EtsHokin, Illinois • W. James Judge, Colorado United States. Since its beginning in Jay T. Last, California • Dorinda Oliver, New York 1980, the Conservancy has preserved Rosamond Stanton, Montana • Dee Ann Story, Texas more than 295 sites across the nation, Stewart L. Udall, New Mexico • Gordon Wilson, New Mexico ranging in age from the earliest habita- Conservancy Staff tion sites in North America to a 19th- Mark Michel, President • Tione Joseph, Business Manager century frontier army post. We are Lorna Thickett, Membership Director • Sarah Tiberi, Special Projects Director building a national system of archaeo- Shelley Smith, Membership Assistant • Valerie Long, Administrative Assistant logical preserves to ensure the survival Yvonne Woolfolk, Administrative Assistant of our irreplaceable cultural heritage. Regional Offices and Directors Jim Walker, Vice President, Southwest Region (505) 266-1540 Why Save Archaeological Sites? The 5301 Central Avenue NE, Suite 902 • Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108 ancient people of North America left vir- Tamara Stewart, Projects Coordinator • Steve Koczan, Site-Management Coordinator tually no written records of their cul- Amy Espinoza-Ar, Field Representative tures. Clues that might someday solve the mysteries of prehistoric America are Paul Gardner, Vice President, Midwest Region (614) 267-1100 3620 N. High St. #207 • Columbus, Ohio 43214 still missing, and when a ruin is de- Joe Navari, Field Representative stroyed by looters, or leveled for a shop- ping center, precious information is lost. Alan Gruber, Vice President, Southeast Region (770) 975-4344 By permanently preserving endangered 5997 Cedar Crest Road • Acworth, Georgia 30101 ruins, we make sure they will be here for Jessica Crawford, Delta Field Representative future generations to study and enjoy. Gene Hurych, Western Region (916) 399-1193 1 Shoal Court #67 • Sacramento, California 95831 How We Raise Funds: Funds for the Conservancy come from membership Andy Stout, Eastern Region, (301) 682-6359 dues, individual contributions, corpora- 717 N. Market St. • Frederick, MD 21701 tions, and foundations. Gifts and be- quests of money, land, and securities are ® fully tax deductible under section 501(c)(3) american archaeology of the Internal Revenue Code. Planned giving provides donors with substantial PUBLISHER: Mark Michel tax deductions and a variety of benefici- EDITOR: Michael Bawaya (505) 266-9668, [email protected] ary possibilities. For more information, ASSISTANT EDITOR: Tamara Stewart call Mark Michel at (505) 266-1540. ART DIRECTOR: Vicki Marie Singer, [email protected]
The Role of the Magazine: American Editorial Advisory Board Archaeology is the only popular maga- Scott Anfinson, Minnesota Historic Preservation • Darrell Creel, University of Texas zine devoted to presenting the rich di- Linda Derry, Alabama Historical Commission • Mark Esarey, Cahokia Mounds State Park versity of archaeology in the Americas. Kristen Gremillion, Ohio State University • Richard Jenkins, California Dept. of Forestry The purpose of the magazine is to help Trinkle Jones, National Park Service • Sarah Neusius, Indiana University of Penn. readers appreciate and understand the Claudine Payne, Arkansas Archaeological Survey archaeological wonders available to Douglas Perrelli, SUNY-Buffalo • Judyth Reed, Bureau of Land Management them, and to raise their awareness of the Ann Rogers, Oregon State University • Joe Saunders, University of Louisiana-Monroe destruction of our cultural heritage. By Kevin Smith, Middle Tennessee State University sharing new discoveries, research, and Art Spiess, Maine Historic Preservation• Ruth Van Dyke, Colorado College activities in an enjoyable and informa- Robert Wall, Towson State University • Rob Whitlam, Washington State Archaeologist tive way, we hope we can make learning Richard Woodbury, University of Massachusetts • Don Wyckoff, University of Oklahoma about ancient America as exciting as National Advertising Office it is essential. Marcia Ulibarri, Advertising Representative 5301 Central Ave. NE, Suite 902, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108; How to Say Hello: By mail: (505) 344-6018; Fax (505) 345-3430; [email protected] The Archaeological Conservancy, 5301 Central Avenue NE, Suite 902, American Archaeology (ISSN 1093-8400) is published quarterly by The Archaeological Conservancy, 5301 Central Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108-1517; Suite 902, Albuquerque, NM 87108-1517. Title registered U.S. Pat. and TM Office, © 2005 by TAC. Printed in the United by phone: (505) 266-1540; States. Periodicals postage paid Albuquerque, NM, and additional mailing offices. Single copies are $3.95. A one-year mem- bership to the Conservancy is $25 and includes receipt of American Archaeology. Of the member’s dues, $6 is designated for by e-mail: [email protected]; or visit our a one-year magazine subscription. READERS: For new memberships, renewals, or change of address, write to The Archaeo- Web site: www.americanarchaeology.org logical Conservancy, 5301 Central Avenue NE, Suite 902, Albuquerque, NM 87108-1517, or call (505) 266-1540. For changes of address, include old and new addresses. Articles are published for educational purposes and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conservancy, its editorial board, or American Archaeology. Article proposals and artwork should be addressed to the editor. No responsibility assumed for unsolicited material. All articles receive expert review. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to American Archaeology, The Archaeological Conservancy, 5301 Central Avenue NE, Suite 902, Albuquerque, NM 87108-1517; (505) 266-1540. All rights reserved. American Archaeology does not accept advertising from dealers in archaeological artifacts or antiquities.
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