these strange with the prehistory of North the USA have a common notion of the cultures of the continent that incorporates local americans dwelling in tipis, donning feathered headdresses and buckskin garments, and following migratory bison herds at the nice Plains. even if those practices have been a part of a few local American societies, they don't safely signify the variety of cultural practices through the overpowering majority of local American peoples. Media misrepresentations formed via tv and films besides a spotlight on pick out areas and sessions within the heritage of the USA have produced a very distorted view of the indigenous population of the continent and their cultures. The indigenous populations of North the USA created outstanding societies, engaged in exchange, and had diversified financial, social, and non secular cultures. over the last century, archaeological and ethnological learn all through all areas of North the USA has published a lot in regards to the indigenous peoples of the continent. This ebook examines the lengthy and intricate historical past of human career in North the US, masking its exact tradition in addition to parts of the Arctic, California, jap Woodlands, nice Basin, nice Plains, Northwest Coast, Plateau, Southwest, and Subarctic. entire with maps, a chronology that spans the heritage from 11,000 B.C. to A.D. 1850, an introductory essay, greater than seven-hundred dictionary entries, and a complete bibliography, this reference is a beneficial device for students and scholars. An appendix of museums that experience North American collections and a list of archaeological websites that let excursions by means of the general public additionally make this an available consultant to the lay reader and highschool student.