Quest for the Origins of the First Americans - Hardcover

Dixon, E. James

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0826314066 ISBN 13: 9780826314062

Publisher: University of New Mexico Press, 1993

Synopsis

Book by Dixon, E.James

About this title

From Library Journal:

Dixon, curator of archaeology at the University of Alaska Museum and professor of anthropology at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, has written a scholarly and thoroughly interesting account of the major work that has been done to date in the field of Arctic archaeology. He also devotes considerable attention to newly emerging techniques in biochemistry that may prove useful to archaeologists as they seek to analyze microscopic residues of ancient animal blood, which have been found on stone projectile points from early sites in the Arctic. In an effort to draw conclusions about the peopling of the Americas, Dixon examines evidence from such distant areas as Chile and Australia. The Monte Verde site in Chile has been radiocarbon dated as being 12,000-13,000 years old--older than any of the sites in Alaska or the Yukon. Evidence from Australia shows that as early as 35,000 to 40,000 years ago, people were apparently capable of constructing water craft and of making open water crossings. This raises the possibility that the first humans arrived in the Americas by boat, even before other people crossed the Bering Land Bridge. Dixon's conclusions are speculative (which he readily admits) but fascinating. This well-researched work is highly recommended for academic libraries.
- Elizabeth Salt, Otterbein Coll. Lib., Westerville, Ohio
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0826314066
• ISBN 13: 9780826314062
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 172