Mississippian Women
Edited by Rachel V. Briggs, Michaelyn S. Harle, and Lynne P. Sullivan
Mississippian Women is a compelling exploration of the roles and experiences of women in the Mississippian societies of North America. This anthology challenges male-centered perspectives of archaeology by focusing on the significant, yet often overlooked, contributions of women in Mississippian culture. The editors bring together a diverse group of scholars who use a variety of methodological approaches including bioarchaeology, ethnohistory, and material culture studies to uncover the complex lives of Mississippian women.
The book is divided into thematic sections to explore different aspects of Mississippian women’s lives, from their roles in the household and community to their participation in ceremonial and political spheres. Each chapter draws on both archaeological evidence and historical records to share fresh, nuanced perspectives on familiar archaeological sites such as Cahokia and Moundville, and present new interpretations of artifacts and burial practices that emphasize the centrality of women in these societies. It explores themes of identity, grief, food and craft production, prestige and community standing, kinship, and fertility, among other aspects of the domestic, economic, and political lives of Mississippian women.
One of the strengths of Mississippian Women is the integration of insights from various fields, which not only enhances our understanding of Mississippian women, but highlights gender as a critical category of analysis in archaeology.
University of Florida Press, 2024; 348 pp..; illus., $95 hardback; upf.com
Understanding Imperiled Earth: How Archaeology and Human History Inform Our Planet’s Future
Todd J. Braje
Understanding Imperiled Earth examines the intricate relationship between humans and contemporary environmental crises, arguing that the study of past human behavior offers vital lessons for addressing modern sustainability challenges. The author posits that the environmental degradation we face today, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, has roots in long-standing patterns of human interaction with the environment.
Archaeology, in this context, becomes an essential tool for understanding the origins of these problems and the ways earlier societies managed (or mismanaged) their natural resources. Braje emphasizes that archaeology provides a deep-time perspective on human-environment dynamics, revealing both the resilience and fragility of past civilizations. He argues that, by studying societies that successfully adapted to environmental changes, as well as those that collapsed due to resource mismanagement, we can derive insights into sustainable practices and avoid repeating mistakes.
Through various examples and time periods, the author uses data from archaeology, anthropology, ecology, geology, and climate science to demonstrate the complex interplay between humans and their environments. This synthesis of knowledge allows for a more holistic view of humanity’s impact on the planet over millennia.
Ultimately, Braje advocates for a future where lessons from the past are integrated with contemporary scientific understanding to create a more sustainable relationship with the Earth. His call for collaboration across disciplines and a rethinking of human history from an ecological perspective is both timely and urgent.
Smithsonian Books, 2024; 208 pp.; illus., $29.95 hardback; smithsonianbooks.com
University of Utah Press, 2024; 369 pgs., illus., $80 hardback; uofupress.com/
Earth Ovens and Desert Lifeways: 10,000 Years of Indigenous Cooking in the Arid Landscapes of North America
Charlotte Beck, George T. Jones, and Daniel P. Koenig
Earth oven technology, specifically its use by ancient desert societies in the American Southwest, is the focus of Earth Ovens and Desert Lifeways. The book delves into how earth ovens—a technique where heated stones are buried beneath the ground to slow-cook food—were more than just a cooking method. They were an integral part of the cultural and ecological systems of Indigenous peoples living in arid environments.
Drawing on a robust combination of archaeological evidence, ethnographic research, and experimental archaeology, the authors offer a detailed and technical account of the construction, function, and social importance of earth ovens. They demonstrate how Native American groups adapted this method to their environment, making the most of limited desert resources. The authors effectively argue that earth ovens were a vital component of desert subsistence strategies, allowing communities to maximize the nutritional value of available resources, particularly plant-based foods like agave and other desert succulents, and store food for times of scarcity.
Their experimental archaeology work—replicating ancient cooking techniques to better understand their effectiveness—adds a practical dimension to the study, making the book not only informative but also engaging. The authors argue that these ovens were not only efficient but sustainable, enabling desert dwellers to thrive in some of the most challenging environments on the planet.
The book is organized by geographic region and subsistence strategies, with sections focused on different indigenous groups, such as the hunter-gatherers of Texas, the southern Great Basin, and agriculturalists of the U.S. Southwest and northeast Mexico. It contributes significantly to ancient food studies and desert archaeology, and offers insights into the resilience and ingenuity of ancient desert communities.
University of Utah Press, 2024; 236 pp.; illus., $80 hardback; uofupress.com
Southern Footprints: Exploring Gulf Coast Archaeology
Gregory A. Waselkov and Philip J. Carr
Southern Footprints takes a comprehensive dive into the rich archaeological heritage of the Gulf Coast region, weaving thousands of years of history into vivid, detailed, and accessible content. This book takes readers on a fascinating journey through time, illuminating diverse cultures that have thrived in this area—from ancient Native American societies to colonial settlements and beyond. The authors skillfully blend archaeological findings with historical records and contemporary research, offering not just an account of the past, but a deeper understanding of the complexities of cultural development along the Gulf Coast.
Organized chronologically, the volume begins with detailed surveys of key archaeological sites in the region, offering readers a clear sense of the landscape’s evolution. It then highlights key sites during significant periods of occupation, providing insights into settlement patterns, subsistence strategies, and social structures. Special attention is paid to trade networks, showcasing the Gulf Coast’s role as a crossroads of cultural exchange. The authors also delve into the environmental factors, such as sea-level rise, hurricanes, and climatic shifts, which shaped the survival and adaptation of these ancient communities.
Beyond its scholarly contributions, the book is richly illustrated with maps, photographs, and diagrams. The clear writing makes it a valuable resource not only for academics but also for general readers interested in archaeology, anthropology, or history. It’s an enriching and visually compelling exploration of the Gulf Coast’s complex and enduring human story.
University of Alabama Press, 2024; 400 pp; illus., $120 hardback, $29.95 paperback or eBook, uapress.ua.edu
