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Of Clams and Clovis: Isla Cedros, Baja California, Mexico

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Trekking the Shore

Part of the book series: Interdisciplinary Contributions to Archaeology ((IDCA))

Abstract

What was once a reasonably direct archaeological debate regarding absolute chronology­ has become markedly more complex and now encompasses not only ­dating, but human ecology and agency, along with necessarily much broader frames of reference. Recent discoveries and new examinations of older finds have opened the door to a surge of reinterpretations, not all of which are very well anchored to reliable data. I refer of course to the dialogues surrounding the initial Peopling of the New World, although the general pattern of events described above could apply to the maturation of any investigative effort. I consider this an exciting time to be researching­ the earliest societies of the New World, although it is a time where the exuberance of being freed from narrow interpretive limits must be tempered by continued, if not heightened, rigor in the evaluation and recovery of data. Much of the nebulosity we encounter is the result of inconsistent definitions and varying application of critical terminology. I do not here call for rigid semantic standardization, but for a coherent conceptual framework that will allow the community of Paleo-Americanist researchers­ to communicate effectively across regional and theoretical boundaries.

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Acknowledgments

I would like to thank all those who have contributed to this project over the last 10 years. Some, such as the National Science foundation, The University of California Institute for the United States and Mexico, the CSU, Northridge College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the Departments of Anthropology at both UC Riverside and CSU, Northridge, and the Keystone Archaeological Research Fund, have provided financial or institutional support towards the advancement of this research. Others like the many Cedros Islanders who have befriended me and my crews over the years can never be repaid the generosity, hospitality, and enthusiasm that they have displayed over the years. I would thank Claudia García-Des Lauriers for support (both real and moral), understanding, and especially her constructive criticism that has always made my work better. Finally, this chapter is dedicated to my parents, Richard and Pamela, for always being there.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anthropology, Anthropological Research Institute, California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff Avenue, Northridge, CA, 91330, USA

    Matthew R. Des Lauriers

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  1. Matthew R. Des Lauriers
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Correspondence to Matthew R. Des Lauriers .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Fac. Ciências Humanas e Sociais (FCHS), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal

    Nuno F. Bicho

  2. Dept. Anthropology, University of Louisville, Louisville, 40292, Kentucky, USA

    Jonathan A. Haws

  3. Oregon State University, Corvallis, 97331, Oregon, USA

    Loren G. Davis

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Lauriers, M.R.D. (2011). Of Clams and Clovis: Isla Cedros, Baja California, Mexico. In: Bicho, N., Haws, J., Davis, L. (eds) Trekking the Shore. Interdisciplinary Contributions to Archaeology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8219-3_7

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