Interaction Parameters and the Demise of Paleo-Indian Craftsmanship

Abstract

Interaction plays a central role in archaeological interpretations, yet it has remained theoretically underdeveloped and has often been misused. A framework for dealing with interaction is presented, consisting of: 1) ultimate adaptive conditions for interaction; 2) specific reasons for various types of interaction; 3) modifications of interaction due to aspects of the social matrix; 4) interaction mechanisms; and 5) the artifact patterns resulting from all of these factors. It is clear that “interaction” cannot be treated as a monolithic phenomenon; rather there are many types of interaction with many different outcomes for artifact patterning. The transition from the Paleo-Indian to Archaic stages is analyzed within this framework, and it is suggested that in the simplified interaction context of generalized hunter/ gatherers the size of interaction networks is largely a function of resource reliability and the relative need to maintain subsistence-related alliances between bands.