Anthropology, Department of
Date of this Version
2024
Document Type
Review
Citation
Nebraska Anthropologist (2024) 30
Abstract
Review of Island Shores, Distant Pasts by Scott Fitzpatrick and Ann Ross. 2010. University of Florida Press, Florida. ix + 201 pp. $26.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-8130-5468-1. Reviewed by Maggie M. Klemm, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Island Shores, Distant Pasts is an important read for archaeologists and anthropologists currently or potentially interested in studying Caribbean archaeology. This text contains current and relevant interdisciplinary research that will expand readers’ knowledge about human settlement and the timing of migration events in the Caribbean. A positive aspect of this book is that the authors discuss objective results from their research and avoid speculative conclusions. Additionally, at the end of each chapter, the authors note certain areas of research that are currently lacking data or are riddled with standard error. The discussion of objective results and identification research limitations will help to improve future research and our overall understanding of human settlement patterns in the Caribbean. As this text was published in 2010, it would be beneficial to have a new publication that includes more contemporary research and updates to the data and research discussed in this volume. This book is appropriate for graduate students as some sections contain jargon specific to biological anthropology and archaeology. Island Shores, Distant Pasts is best suited to supplement Caribbean archaeological coursework and continued research as it provides data and direction for future research on the timing of human settlement and migration in the Caribbean. Like most other fields of research, understanding the Pre-Columbian settlement and timing of the Caribbean requires continued interdisciplinary research and collaboration to provide the most accurate and contemporary data.
Comments
Copyright 2024, Maggie Klemm. Used by permission