1991, color, 53 minutes, Nova
The quest for information about the First Americans has aimed at exploring the nature of the "Clovis Barrier," the idea that no one was in the Americas before about 12,000 years ago. The search includes a broader range of tools than ever before, including MtDNA and linguistics. Anatomically Indian people have several characteristics separating them from other populations including shovel-shaped incisor teeth and Type O blood. MtDNA research suggests three waves of habitation, the oldest at 40,000 or more years ago.
As well, several archaeological sites of considerable antiquity have started showing up in South America, including Monte Verde in Chile and Pedra Furada in Brazil, the latter with dates older than 40,000 years ago. North American sites like Meadowcroft Rockshelter also have early dates.However, scholars such as Vance Haynes remain skeptical about these early dates.
Also raised in the video are questions about the possibility of water-based travel to the continents.
Questions: 1. How have attitudes toward the antiquity of humans in the Americas
changed over the years?
2. In what ways have Hrdlicka and Haynes served the same function? Do you think it is good
or bad? Why?
3. The video makes a great effort to present Indian viewpoints. Why?
4. What do you think of the ocean travel possibilities?
5. How can new technologies help archaeologists to answer questions?
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larry-zimmerman@uiowa.edu
University of Iowa Anthropology
08.20.98