Surface Archaeology

These eleven papers discuss the value of weakly patterned surficial assemblages to archaeological understanding of the human past. Both training and inclination have historically motivated archaeologists to focus on only the most conspicuous parts of the archaeological record to the exclusion of the most predominant remainssmall, scattered assemblages either directly on or near the earth's surface. These deposits say and teach much. Drawing on North and South American cases, the contributors show how the analysis of surficial sites enriches archaeological understanding and helps correct skewed interpretations based on data gleaned from only the most salient artifacts and remains. Concluding chapters place surface archaeology in global perspective. In addition to the volume editor, the contributors are William S. Dancey, LuAnn Wandsnider, Michael P. Smyth, Robert P. Connolly, James M. Bayman, M. Guadalupe Sanchez, Rebecca Hawkins, Christian E. Downum, Gregory Burrell Brown, Kenneth L. Kvamme, Anthony S. Tolonen, Alan H. Simmons, and Joseph A. Tainter.