The Role of Small Islands in Marine Subsistence Strategies: Case Studies from the Caribbean
Abbreviated Journal Title
Hum. Ecol.
Keywords
Archaeology; Island biogeography; Coral reefs; Small islands; Caribbean; WEST-INDIES; FISH COMMUNITIES; BONE-COLLAGEN; CERAMIC AGE; CORAL-REEF; EXPLOITATION; ADAPTATIONS; ARCHAEOLOGY; SIMULATION; RATIOS; Anthropology; Environmental Studies; Sociology
Abstract
Caribbean archaeologists have tended to focus exclusively on the prehistory of the largest islands, perhaps because large islands are believed to provide the landmass necessary to support long-term population growth and cultural development. Yet, as research here and elsewhere, e.g., the Pacific, is showing, small islands provided access to resources and landscapes that were not always readily available on the larger islands. Small islands often have superior terrestrial and, especially, marine resources; isolated ritual spaces; and more easily defended locations; although they are susceptible to more rapid overexploitation. This paper examines in detail human needs with regard to island size, demonstrating that small islands were crucial in the development of pre-Columbian Caribbean societies. Four case studies are presented to illustrate that small islands often were preferred over large islands throughout the Caribbean archipelagoes. Finally, these studies show that the prehistoric exploitation and overexploitation of small islands can provide significant insights for establishing baselines that can be used for modern management and conservation efforts.
Journal Title
Human Ecology
Volume
36
Issue/Number
5
Publication Date
1-1-2008
Document Type
Review
Language
English
First Page
635
Last Page
654
WOS Identifier
ISSN
0300-7839
Recommended Citation
"The Role of Small Islands in Marine Subsistence Strategies: Case Studies from the Caribbean" (2008). Faculty Bibliography 2000s. 529.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/facultybib2000/529
Comments
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