essay

Early and Middle Archaic settlement patterns and demography

early and middle archaic research in virginia : a synthesis (22) • Published In 1990 • Pages: 99-117

By: Parker, Scott K..

Abstract
Parker discusses other authors' ideas about settlement-subsistence patterns in the Middle Atlantic region during the Early and Middle Archaic. He also reviews some ethnographic exchange systems (!Kung San Bushmen, Aborigines of the Western Desert of Australia) as an analogy for Early and Middle Archaic peoples. Early and Middle Archaic sites in several areas of Virginia were examined for an analysis of settlement patterns. Site size (in square yards) and artifact diversity were used as measures of site size. Sites were considered to be located either in the floodplain or the uplands. Parker found that sites were mostly evenly distributed; what one would expect of egalitarian hunter-gatherers trying to reduce risk. Parker also tried to stress 'that social interaction through exchange networks provided an 'adaptive advantage' for Early and Middle Archaic populations' (page 114).
Subjects
Reviews and critiques
Theoretical orientation in research and its results
Organization and analysis of results of research
Settlement patterns
tradition
Eastern Middle Archaic
HRAF PubDate
2001
Region
North America
Sub Region
Eastern Woodlands
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
Analyst
Sarah Berry ; 2000
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
Middle Archaic
Coverage Place
Middle Atlantic region; United States
Notes
Scott K. Parker
Papers from the second COVA Virginia Prehistoric Indian Symposium, held at James Madison University, Apr. 15, 1989
Includes bibliographical references (p. 115-117)
LCCN
91150151
LCSH
Indians of North America--Virginia--Antiquities