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Caribbean Archaeology and Ethnohistory
Myths and Realities of Caribbean History
This book seeks to debunk eleven popular and prevalent myths about Caribbean history. Using archaeological evidence, it corrects many previous misconceptions promulgated by history books and oral tradition as they specifically relate to the pre-Colonial and European-contact periods. It informs popular audiences, as well as scholars, about the current state of archaeological/historical research in the Caribbean Basin and asserts the value of that research in fostering a better understanding of the region’s past.
Contrary to popular belief, the history of the Caribbean did not begin with the arrival of Europeans in 1492. It actually started 7,000 years ago with the infusion of Archaic groups from South America and the successive migrations of other peoples from Central America for about 2,000 years thereafter. In addition to discussing this rich cultural diversity of the Antillean past, Myths and Realities of Caribbean History debates the misuse of terms such as “Arawak” and “Ciboneys,” and the validity of Carib cannibalism allegations.
Contrary to popular belief, the history of the Caribbean did not begin with the arrival of Europeans in 1492. It actually started 7,000 years ago with the infusion of Archaic groups from South America and the successive migrations of other peoples from Central America for about 2,000 years thereafter. In addition to discussing this rich cultural diversity of the Antillean past, Myths and Realities of Caribbean History debates the misuse of terms such as “Arawak” and “Ciboneys,” and the validity of Carib cannibalism allegations.
- GenresHistory
168 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 23, 2019
While I enjoyed the information and maps in this book, I'll admit it wasn't always the most fun to read. Some parts were a bit repetitive within each chapter, but chapters were short so if it happened, it didn't happen more than once or twice. Other than that, great information about a part of the world whose archaeology and ethnography have been at odds and needs to be clarified.
March 7, 2015
Wonderful information about the history of the natives of the Caribbean that had a long standing civilization when Columbus arrived in 1492.
Great presentation of facts to dispel many of the myths that have been propagated over the years about the people of the Caribbean called by various names in history books.
Lots of good maps of migration paths and archaeological sites that have been used by the author to build a case that the Caribbean natives engaged in trade with neighboring islands, along with South and Central America.
It appears that when the Spanish needed more slaves to work mines or plantations they just declared the natives on the next island they encountered "savage cannibals". According to the rules of engagement that they were operating under from the Spanish throne this permitted them to enslave the locals.
There is also a very nice glossary in the back of the book.
Great presentation of facts to dispel many of the myths that have been propagated over the years about the people of the Caribbean called by various names in history books.
Lots of good maps of migration paths and archaeological sites that have been used by the author to build a case that the Caribbean natives engaged in trade with neighboring islands, along with South and Central America.
It appears that when the Spanish needed more slaves to work mines or plantations they just declared the natives on the next island they encountered "savage cannibals". According to the rules of engagement that they were operating under from the Spanish throne this permitted them to enslave the locals.
There is also a very nice glossary in the back of the book.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews