African Archaeology: A Critical Introduction

by Ann Brower Stahl (Editor)

A landmark introduction to the archaeology of Africa that challenges misconceptions & claims about Africa's past and teaches students how to evaluate these claims.
Provides an unprecedented and exciting introduction to the archaeology of Africa
Challenges misconceptions & claims about Africa's past and teaches students how to evaluate these claims
Includes a thoughtful introduction that explores the contexts that have shaped archaeological knowledge of Africa's past
Lays out research questions that have shaped the contours of African archaeology
Comprised of chapters specifically written for this volume by prominent archaeologists with regional and topical expertise

Genres: Archaeology, Africa, History, Nonfiction, Textbooks

512 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2004

Reviews

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

African Archaeology: A Critical Introduction is a compilation of articles by various researchers focussing on a variety of introductory topics in African archaeology. As the editor states in her introductory chapter, often people have a very limited view of the variety of archaeological sites and projects in Africa. When most people are asked about African archaeology, they immediately think of the early hominid studies by the Leakeys or they vaguely recall the structures of Great Zimbabwe.

Though these projects were and continue to be important contributions to African and World archaeology, archaeological research in Africa is much more diverse and active than the average person would imagine. To increase this overall knowledge, this book illustrates the multitude of topics, sites, and projects within the various African countries. Topics by these researchers include examination of material culture in early Hominid cultures; aquatic adaptations in northern tropical Africa in the Holocene; pastoralism and its effects on the presence of artefact assemblages; various aspects of metallurgy and the Iron Age in Africa; and the interacts between trade and mosaics upon the growth of cities in Africa.

African Archaeology: A Critical Introduction is a good introductory overview of African archaeology. The articles are well crafted, easy to understand, and require no previous knowledge on the discussed subjects or sites. It is of note, however, that this book is meant as an overview not as a complete compilation of all of topics in African archaeology. Such a book would encompass many large volumes that would completely overwhelm any reader. In this way, the reader is encouraged to use the extensive biographies included with each article to follow up on projects and topics that interest him of her.