Exploring Ancient Native America: An Archaeological Guide

by David Hurst Thomas

The archaeological remnants of the first Americans tell a story of advanced civilization and culture. From the Pueblo dwellings of the Southwest to the buffalo jumps of the Great Plains to the coastal villages of the Northwest, the author combines the latest field research with accounts of tribal life to offer a new perspective on Native American history, culture and ritual. Using a chronological and regional framework, Thomas describes each of the prehistoric early native cultures, including Paleoindians of the North, the moundbuilding Mississippian cultures, and the ancient Anasazi peoples of the Southwest. Covering nine million square miles and 25,000 years, Exploring Ancient Native America suggests more than four hundred accessible sites where individuals can observe the remains of prehistoric American cultures today. Thomas also includes relevant contributions from Native American scholars, poets, and activists on topics such as language, oral tradition, contact, and sacred sites. The most comprehensive guide available, Exploring Ancient Native America is an excellent primer on early Native American cultures in every region of the country for both the intrepid explorer and the armchair traveler.

Genres: Archaeology, History, Nonfiction, Prehistory, Indigenous, Anthropology

314 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1994

About the author

David Hurst Thomas (born 1945) is the curator of North American Archaeology in the Division of Anthropology at the American Museum of Natural History and a professor at Richard Gilder Graduate School. He was previously a chairman of the American Museum of Natural History's Anthropology Division.

Reviews

[Brian Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, detailed survey on the archaeological record across North America, from the "dog days" when dogs were the biggest available pack animals, but the trade routes were still vast.

[Ted Steinhauser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good introduction to the prehistoric cultures of North America. It lacks in it's comprehensiveness. Many pages are given to the Eastern Woodlands people and the Mississippian culture, but entire cultures are left out. Native Americans of the Northwest, Great Plains, and Great Lakes/Northeast region are barely mentioned. Nor does the author say why they are left out leaving the reader to wonder if it is due to a lack of evidence, a lack of the author's experience with archeological sites from these cultures, or if it is a lack of interest on the part of the author, or some other reason.

[James Prothero · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully complete and readable account of the sites of Native North America before the European invasion. Great read.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfull overview of the different cultures that populated North America before European contact. The author gives plenty of information without making the book hard to read, and also lets the Native American perspective on things be heard. It is a great starter-book if you are planning to read more about Aincent North American cultures and archaeology!