In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover provides an overview of the major cultural periods that have shaped the Great Plains' rich history. Starting with the Paleoindian period, we delve into the earliest known inhabitants, exploring their hunting practices and survival strategies in a changing landscape. We then journey through the Archaic period, marked by a shift in subsistence strategies and adaptation to diverse environments. As we move into the Woodland period, we'll discuss the introduction of new technologies and social complexities, followed by the Plains Village period, where agricultural practices and settled communities became more prominent. Carlton also introduces listeners to the concept of the Ceramic Period, which combines the Woodland and Plains Village periods, highlighting the evolution of pottery and other cultural developments that defined this era. This episode offers a brief look at the timeline of human occupation on the Great Plains, providing insights into how these periods are interconnected and how they have been interpreted through the archaeological record. Whether you're new to Plains archaeology or looking to deepen your understanding of these cultural periods, this episode offers a fascinating exploration of the region's past.

Links:

• The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021)
• Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998)
• Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio

Transcripts

• For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/great-plains-archaeology/03

Contact:

• Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
• Email: greatplainsarchpodcast@gmail.com

Affiliates

• Motion