The Role of American Archeologists in the Study of the European Upper Paleolithic

Description

This volume of proceedings from a panel held at the XIVth UISPP Congress in Liège in 2001 examines the differences in approach of North American and European archaeologists in their work on the Upper Palaeolithic, the former being traditionally regarded as ‘anthropological’ in its focus and the latter as ‘historical’. The papers represent a diversity of backgrounds, views and experiences among both European prehistorians commenting on the American role in various European countries and among Americans who have worked in Europe. They present a range of opinions, but generally stress the productive – if sometimes tense – nature of the trans-Atlantic relationship. Together, they outline the history of trans-Atlantic collaboration and discuss some of the key issues in the ‘conversation’ about theories and methods that has been going on for the better part of a century. It is hoped that they will stimulate further discussion and reflection.