James Deetz once defined Historical Archaeology as “the archaeology of the spread of European culture throughout the world . . . and its impact on indigenous peoples.” Thus far, this course has focused largely on archaeological examples of European expansion, its impact on indigenous communities, and the cultural traditions that took root as a result of the creation of distinct “colonial” worlds. Material culture, cultural practices, and social life have been central themes within this story. The authors of River Kings, The Archaeology of Colonial Mexico, and In Small Things Forgotten wrestle with each of these themes in similar, yet very distinct ways. In this essay, drawing from your reading of the three assigned texts, compare and contrast each author’s approach to answering the following questions:
1) What kinds of historical sources are available for study, and how can we successfully integrate archaeological and historical sources to understand these colonial pasts?
2) How does archaeological research reveal the way material culture was used to express changing cultural values, identities, and ideology?
