Plains Indian Studies - Smithsonian Institution Libraries

the Central Plains tradition, much of it authored
by Wedel, and presents an important new synthesis
for the Glenwood locality. Hotopp looks at
the size, floor area, and environmental position
of Glenwood lodges through time to discern settlement
patterns. The ecological approach shown
here, integrating some ethnohistorical data, not
only utilizes Wedel's published data but approximates
Wedel's own approach to similar problems.
Hotopp worked with Wedel at the Smithsonian
on a postdoctoral fellowship in 1980 and
1981.
George C. Prison examines evidence from the
High Plains regarding "Paleo-Indian Winter
Subsistence Strategies." The author reviews data
from several Paleo-Indian sites in Colorado,
South Dakota, and Wyoming to elucidate Paleo-
Indian methods of winter food procurement that
include the freezing and drying of meat as well as
the manufacture of pemmican. Prison conducted
research at the Smithsonian Institution in 1980
as a Smithsonian's Regents' Fellow.
The final essay in the volume, by Dennis Stanford,
is titled "A Critical Review of Archeological
Evidence Relating to the Antiquity of Human
Occupation of the New World." Stanford examines
the evidence relevant to the problem of man's
antiquity in the New World. He begins with a
survey of largely theoretical contrasting positions
on this important issue and then moves to a
SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ANTHROPOLOGY
detailed discussion of the archeological evidence.
His critical review of the archeological evidence
focuses mostly on the reliability of the radiometric
dates, the interpretation of the stratigraphic context,
and the determination of whether or not
recovered specimens are of human manufacture.
Stanford joined the Smithsonian staff in 1972.
His career research has focused on the excavation
and analysis of Paleo-Indian archeological sites,
particularly in the Plains area.
The editors began this effort with certain misgivings.
John C. Ewers and Waldo R. Wedel
deserved suitable recognition for their work,
which forms a significant chapter in the history
of Smithsonian anthropology, upholding a tradition
of excellence begun by E.G. Squier and E.H.
Davis under the direction of Joseph Henry and
continued by Major John Wesley Powell, William
Henry Holmes, James C. Mooney, and others.
Certainly, Ewers and Wedel have had much to
do with keeping that tradition strong and vibrant;
and, since they have contributed so much to the
literature of anthropology, it was only fitting that
these papers given in their honor should also be
published. The editors hope that this volume will
be judged an appropriate tribute to these two
scholars, whose leadership, dedication, and personal
standards of excellence have been such an
inspiration to their students, colleagues, and
friends.