Exchange Systems in Prehistory

Exchange Systems in Prehistory provides an accurate description of prehistoric exchange and a more thorough investigation of the significance of exchange in prehistory. This book discusses the four aspects of archaeological research on prehistoric exchange, including systemic modeling, chemical characterization, descriptive modeling and application of ethnographic and ethnohistorical research. Organized into five parts encompassing 14 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the basic procedures in chemical characterization of any raw material. This text then describes the many steps required in the sampling and resolution of turquoise sources and artifacts from Mesoamerica and the American Southwest. Other chapters consider the measures of transportation cost for raw materials, including estimates of work along probable transport routes, social distances, and intermediary populations. This book discusses as well how anomalies may be used to identify central places or general hierarchical structure in settlement. This book is a valuable resource for archeologists and sociologists.

Table of Contents:
?List of Contributors Acknowledgments Part I Introduction Chapter 1 Exchange Systems in Archaeological Perspective I. Introduction II. Chemical Characterization of Raw Materials III. Descriptive Models of Exchange IV. Ethnographic and Ethnohistorical Research V. Systemic Models of Exchange VI. Conclusions References Part II Chemical Characterization of Raw Material Chapter 2 Turquoise Sources and Source Analysis: Mesoamerica and the Southwestern U. S. A. I. Introduction II. Archaeological Background and Sources III. Experimental Procedures IV. Results References Chapter 3 Maya Jade: Source Location and Analysis I. Introduction II. Present Research III. Characterization Procedures IV. Conclusions References Part III Descriptive Models of Exchange Chapter 4 Alternative Models for Exchange and Spatial Distribution I. Introduction II. The Law of Monotonic Decrement III. Shape of Fall-Off IV. Steepness of Fall-Off V. The Down-the-Line Model: Linear Attenuation and Exponential Fall-Off VI. Random Walk or Flight. Gaussian Fall-Off VII. Attenuation in Two Dimensions VIII. Equifinality and the Choice of Models IX. Comparisons of Fall-Off Data X. Concentration Effects and Directional Trade XI. Competing Sources XII. Modes of Exchange References Chapter 5 Mass-Distance Measures for the Maya Obsidian Trade I. Introduction II. Research Phase I: Central Place of Ceremonial Centers III. Research Phase II: Diachronic Stability of Exchange Systems IV. Conclusions References Chapter 6 Egalitarian Exchange Systems in California: A Preliminary View I. Introduction II. The Context of Studying Exchange in California III. A Description of Exchange Systems IV. A Qualitative Analysis of Certain Systemic Variables V. Systems Analysis: Quantitative Analysis of Specific Variables VI. Conclusions References Chapter 7 Modeling Economic Exchange I. Introduction II. Elements of Models III. Characteristics of Exchange Networks IV. Organization, Understanding, and Explanation V. Empirical Considerations VI. An Illustration VII. Summary and Conclusions References Chapter 8 A Network Model for the Analysis of Prehistoric Trade I. The Problem II. The Network Model III. Specific Analytic Approaches IV. Exchange Systems and Social Systems V. A Southwestern Example References Chapter 9 Identification of Prehistoric Intrasettlement Exchange I. Introduction II. Identification of Intrasettlement Social Groups III. Intrasettlement Exchange IV. Conclusions References Chapter 10 Quarry Analysis at Bodie Hills, Mono County, California: A Case Study I. Introduction II. The Bodie Hills Site III. Sampling Procedures and Areas IV. Analytical Results V. Discussion and Conclusions References Part IV The Use of Ethnography and Ethnohistory Chapter 11 Aboriginal Economies in Stateless Societies I. Introduction II. Ceremonial Exchanges: Potlatch, Kula, Moka, Abutu III. Economic Determination References Chapter 12 A Reappraisal of Redistribution: Complex Hawaiian Chiefdoms I. Introduction II. Redistribution: An Analysis of Institutional Forms III. Service's Hypothesis IV. The Evidence from Hawaii: A Complex Chiefdom V. Summary References Part V Systemic Models of Exchange Chapter 13 The Simulation of a Linear Exchange System under Equilibrium Conditions Chapter 14 The Ecological Evolution of Culture: The State as Predator in Succession Theory I. Introduction II. Strategy foe the Development of Explanatory Models of Complex Sociocultural Systems III. Conclusion References Index