The Indigenous Paleolithic of the Western Hemisphere

By: Paulette F. C. Steeves

Narrated by: Kristin Aikin Salada

The Indigenous Paleolithic of the Western Hemisphere is a reclaimed history of the deep past of Indigenous people in North and South America during the Paleolithic. Paulette F. C. Steeves mines evidence from archaeology sites and Paleolithic environments, landscapes, and mammalian and human migrations to make the case that people have been in the Western Hemisphere not only just prior to Clovis sites (10,200 years ago) but for more than 60,000 years, and likely more than 100,000 years.

Steeves discusses the political history of American anthropology to focus on why pre-Clovis sites have been dismissed by the field for nearly a century. She explores supporting evidence from genetics and linguistic anthropology regarding First Peoples and time frames of early migrations. Additionally, she highlights the work and struggles faced by a small yet vibrant group of American and European archaeologists who have excavated and reported on numerous pre-Clovis archaeology sites.

In this first book on Paleolithic archaeology of the Americas written from an Indigenous perspective, The Indigenous Paleolithic of the Western Hemisphere includes Indigenous oral traditions, archaeological evidence, and a critical and decolonizing discussion of the development of archaeology in the Americas.

The book is published by University of Nebraska Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

“This is an important and timely contribution to the field.” (Kisha Supernant, University of Alberta)

“An act of healing that benefits both Indigenous people and academic scholarship.” (Randall H. McGuire, SUNY Binghamton University)

“A timely analysis of the ethnocentric influences on past and present scientific inquiry and archaeological practice from the perspective of an Indigenous archaeologist.” (Kathleen Holen, director of the Center for American Paleolithic Research)

©2021 Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska (P)2022 Redwood Audiobooks

Not sure where this book is going

Author spends too much time discussing what is wrong with colonialist scholars and very little time on what her findings are. I am 2 hours in and still don’t know where this book is going….

A Paradigm Shift. Stick with it.

I found this book when I went looking for a recent narrative overview of the peopling of the Americas. (I knew our understanding had changed since I learned about the Bering Strait hypothesis back in the fifth grade!)

This book is not that narrative, but now I understand why no one has written such a book -- for a hundred years, even as knowledge of pre-Clovis sites has trickled down to the general population, the field of archeology has steadfastly ignored and refuted this evidence.

Don't let the first few chapters, which detail the conventional theories, turn you off. This book isn't written for a general audience, and if I want to really grasp the technical details I'll have to go back and read it in print, but it has completely changed my understanding of both the peopling of the Americas, and the field of archeology as a whole. A deeply satisfying read!

Genuinely a worthwhile read

It has only deepened my respect for the culture and history of the first people. I hope it can work to open the minds ans hearts of every reader.

Excellent!

This book was better than I thought it would be. Worth the time because the message is important and at least for me unknown till I read this.

Decolonization starts in your own head

Thank you for educating me on so many levels! A manifesto to decolonize archeology (or science that is) and finally acknowledging that each indigenous people have the only right to be and claim what they are and where they come from. If ever we would have a chance would history repeat itself ? Sadly I think it would, this to the detriment of indigenous population and here I mean all, all over this blue planet.

Knowledgeable and inspirational

The author is amazing with language. Her perspective is empowering to all people. You would think that science is science and it speaks for itself, but it isn’t true. She proves this through out all the chapters.
I was called to snapping for her alone in my car like I was at a poetry slam. You can’t separate facts from stories they are embedded in, as a society we need to question a lot of things we are led to believe are facts.
Very recommended for any one of any demographic. especially recommended for aspiring anthropologists college students.

An expanded dissertation

Good perspective; reads like an expanded version of a PhD dissertation. Takes on an important area of discussion and calls for a deeper and longer historical view of people in the Western Hemisphere.

Both Archeology and Politics of Archeology

It's worth knowing, before picking up this book, that it's as much about the politics of archeology as it is about the archaeology itself. The politics of it are actually quite interesting. Readers of Charles Mann's 1491 will be familiar with some of it, as he also gets into that in his book. There's also a lot of archeology, as one purpose of the book is to make more widely known the evidence from multiple archeological sites supporting very early human entry into the continent. Not 12,000 years but as much as 30,000 - 100,000+ years ago. Paulette gives an overview of the scientific methods relevant to understanding the evidence. Her politics of archeology are of decolonization. Some may find the jargon and leftist language difficult to get through, either because of unfamiliarity with the jargon or because of ideological differences with the author. But it's worth the effort because she has some very important things to say and some fascinating evidence to present. The material is advanced and challenging. It's the kind of history that doesn't just tell a historical narrative but gets into the nuts and bolts of the kind of work that archeologists and historians have to do. And for those who find that level of detail interesting this is a gem.

A mind-opening review

this is a book I look forward to rereading many times. I welcome the honoring of indigenous ancestry culture and wisdom. the wealth of data the author presents from the Paleolithic in North and South America invites urgent and immediate exploration to increase our knowledge.

Impeccable, but poorly rated by racists.

I’ve noticed a lot of negative reviews, from people who clearly did not make it through the first chapter. It’s almost amusing how these comments illustrate the author’s point beautifully.
Each chapter is clearly outlined & provides a framework for the next, starting with the history of archaeology and its ties to The Eugenics Movement. It then goes into how that influenced the treatment and processing of Native American sites & artifacts. This book hardly skims the surface, it’s a summary. It would be impossible to discuss the flaws of “Native American” Archaeology outside of the context of an unflattering & accurate history.
A wealth of substantiated research that will inevitably challenge one’s perspective & the status quo.
Trigger warning for those harboring unprocessed and/or unconscious delusions of White Supremacy.