|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
||||||||||
|
PEOPLES OF THE NORTHWEST COAST
Their Archaeology and Prehistory Kenneth M. Ames and Herbert D.G. Maschner
"Shows that archaeology is now providing vast amounts of information about these fascinating cultures."
As this pioneering
account shows, the history of settlement on the Northwest Coast stretches
back some 11,000 years. With the stabilization of sea levels and salmon
runs after 4000 B.C., many of the region's salient features began to
emerge. Salmon fishing supported rapid population growth to a peak over
1,000 years ago. The spread of rain forest made available trees such
as red cedar that could be turned into vast houses and seaworthy canoes.
Large households and permanent villages emerged alongside slavery and
a hereditary nobility. Warfare became epidemic, initially hand to hand
but later characterized by the development of fortresses and the bow
and arrow. Art evolved from simple carvings and geometric designs 5,000
years ago to the specialized crafts of the modern era. Written by noted
experts and profusely illustrated, this is an essential reference for
scholars and students of Native American archaeology and anthropology
as well as travelers to the region. Kenneth Ames is
Professor of Anthropology at Portland State University. Herbert Maschner
is Adjunct Associate Professor of Anthropology at Idaho State University.
ISBN 0-500-28110-6
· 6 7/8" x 10" · 173 illustrations
· 288 pages · ARCHAEOLOGY |
|
Extending some 1,400 miles from Alaska to northern California, America's
Northwest Coast is one of the richest and most distinct cultural areas
on earth. The region is famous for its magnificent art — masks,
totem poles, woven blankets — produced by the world's most politically
and economically complex hunters and gatherers.