Still an Open Book: Analysis of the Current Pre-Clovis vs. Clovis Debate from the Site of Meadowcroft Rockshelter, Pennsylvania and Monte Verde, Chile

Authors

Jay T. Sturdevant

Date of this Version

1999

Document Type

Article

Comments

Published in Nebraska Anthropologist Vol. 15 (1999-2000). Copyright © Jay T. Sturdevant; published by The University of Nebraska-Lincoln AnthroGroup.

Abstract

One of the most prominent features of Paleo-Indian studies has been the debate concerning who first inhabited the continents of the Americas. Two sites that have been at the forefront of this debate over the last 25 years are Meadowcroft Rockshelter, Pennsylvania and Monte Verde, Chile. Because of their status as possible Pre-Clovis sites, a review of the questions surrounding these sites should reflect the current status of the Pre-Clovis debate. Presently neither site has been able to make a decisive argument for a Pre-Clovis occupation in the Americas so it is important that archaeology not get ahead of itself by proclaiming the existence of Pre-Clovis sites until conclusive evidence has been demonstrated.