Communities of Soil and Stone- An Archaeological Investigation of Population Aggregation

Chapters 4 & 5 • University of Michigan • • Published In • Pages: 96-176 •
By Adler, Michael A.

Abstract

The dissertation in its entirety is an archaeological investigation of population aggregation among the Mesa Verde region Anasazi A.D. 900-1300. Chapters four and five of Adlers larger work focus on cross-cultural perspectives to inform discussion around resource access and community strength. Multiple different hypotheses were tested with different data sets, but the HRAF database and Standard Cross Cultural Sample were used throughout.

Note

The cross-cultural samples were: 1) a regional sample of 10 societies from the US southwest and northern Mexico and 2) a worldwide sample of 28 sedentary and semi-sedentary societies.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
HRAF Collection of Ethnography (paper/fiche)Researcher's Codes
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)

Hypotheses (6)

HypothesisSupported
The communal tenure of agricultural fields is less likely to occur once population densities reach a certain threshold, no matter what level of agricultural technology, crop, or productive organization (118).Supported
There is a positive relationship between the intensity of agriculture practiced and the type of land access system (either individual tenure or communal tenure) (127).Supported
There is a positive relationship between the level of leadership and the size of the community (139).Partially Supported
A population density of 60 persons per square kilometer or higher is a boundary point in predicting the presence of communal access system use (146).Not Supported
There is a positive relationship between community size and use group size (size of group using an integrative facility) (164).Supported
There is a relationship between community size and the existence of socially integrative facilities (153).Not Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: abbe.mccarter  anj.droe