Culture and Archaeology of the Ancestral Unangax /Aleut of the Aleutian Islands, Alaska

Upto now, only the history of the north coastal cultures has been (briefly) discussed

The understanding of Aleut cultures has shifted dramatically in recent times, and information about that is only available in journals, conference proceedings and government reports

This book is further exploring the intruiging and complex Aleut culture and present the information so that it is accessible and understandable to everyone

Comprehensive overview of the archaeology and culture of the Aleutuan Islands Combines the latest archaeological research, modern DNA studies, and traditional knowledge into a holistic approach Covers the role of women in Aleutian society, economics, and spiritual life

Autorentext

Debra Corbett, Diane Hanson, and Mark Luttrell met during an archaeological survey on Adak Island to document selections by The Alaska Corporation through the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), not realizing that they would be brought together 40 years later to write (and illustrate) this book. Debra Corbett went on to complete a Master's degree in Anthropology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, then became an archaeologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the agency that manages the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge of which the Aleutian Islands are a part. Through her work and several research projects within the refuge, she spent the rest of her career working in the Chain. Following the Adak Survey Diane Hanson left to complete a doctoral degree in Archaeology from Simon Fraser University after working in the Northwest Coast. She returned to Alaska working for the USDA Forest Service, State of Alaska Office of History and Archaeology, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District, eventually settling at the University of Alaska Anchorage where she launched another archaeological project not far from the ANCSA survey area on Adak Island. Mark Luttrell, through Debra's encouragement, incorporated illustration into his archaeological expertise and established a scientific illustration business called Artifact Illustration in Seward, Alaska. He has worked primarily on North Pacific coastal sites from Yakutat and the Prince William Sound to Kenai Fjords National Park, and in the Aleutian Islands.

Inhalt

Introduction.- The Physical Environment.- Biological Environment.- The First People .- People on the Landscape.- Making a Living.- Life at Home.- Conclusions.