Synopses & Reviews
South America is still the least known continent in the world. Ancient South America encompasses ten millennia of cultural development and diversity on this great continent. From the first hunters to the magnificent empire of the Incas it covers the immense variety of cultures, their unique arts and industries and the important contributions these little known peoples have made to the modern world. Accessibly written and abundantly illustrated, this book will be enjoyed by students of archaeology, anthropology and art history.
Review
"Karen Bruhns has written a stimulating and wide-ranging account of the origins and nature of ancient South American civilisation....an excellent introductory text to South America, and students, scholars and layreaders alike should all be grateful." New Scientist"The book she wrote is a triumph. It is so well crafted and informative that it should be owned by anyone and everyone interested in the native cultures of South America....Bruhns is an excellent writer with the power of someone fully engaged in her work, combining love, knowledge of, and commitment to her subject....an eminently informative and enjoyable book." American Anthropologist"A solid introductory book for generalists and for archaeologists trying to keep up with developments outside their areas of specialization." Choice
Synopsis
Ancient South America is an accessible, illustrated account of ten millennia of cultural development and diversity upon this great continent.
Synopsis
South America is still the least known continent in the world. Ancient South America encompasses ten millennia of cultural development and diversity on this great continent. From the first hunters to the magnificent empire of the Incas it covers the immense variety of cultures, their unique arts and industries and the important contributions these little known peoples have made to the modern world. Accessibly written and abundantly illustrated, this book will be enjoyed by students of archaeology, anthropology and art history.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [401]-417) and index.
Table of Contents
1. Still a new world; 2. A matter of time; 3. The physical setting; 4. The first peoples: 12,000-6000 BC; 5. Settling down: 6000-3500 BC; 6. The problem of maize; 7. Cultural intensifications in the Andes: 3500-2000 BC; 8. Ceramics: their origins and technology; 9. The first civilizations: 2000-200 BC; 10. Textiles: the high art of South America; 11. Metallurgy; 12. Regional diversification and development: 200 BC-AD 600; 13. Iconographic studies; 14. Militaristic and religious movements in the Andes: AD 500-900; 15. Transport and trade; 16. Kingdoms, chiefdoms and empires: AD 900-1438; 17. The sixteenth century; 18. Intercontinental movements before Columbus; 19. The future of a continent; Appendices.