An Ethnoarchaeological Study on Anthropic Markers from a Shell-midden in Tierra del Fuego (Southern Argentina): Lanashuaia II

ABSTRACT

For many years the identification of activity areas has been carried out through the spatial distribution of lithics, zooarchaeological remains and specific features such as fireplaces. However, these data are rarely combined and integrated with results from specific analytical techniques such as phytoliths, organic matter, carbonates and multielemental analysis. This research presents the first results of an intrasite spatial analysis on a layer from the site Lanashuaia II, a shell-midden located on the Beagle Channel coast (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina). Ethnoarchaeology is used as a methodological tool to give content to the concept of anthropic markers by means of formulating archaeological hypothesis on the basis of ethnological information. This paper presents the application of specific anthropic markers, which have been designed and applied to identify ashy remains and waste areas through different combinations of proxies. The results show how an approach that integrates different techniques enhances data interpretation and allows to give visibility to activities that may not leave visible evidences.     

How electoral integrity affects voter turnout in democracies

Does electoral integrity affect turnout? And if so, how? We analysed some variables that are closely related to electoral integrity – government actions, opposition actions, and the context in which the election is held – and find significant impact on turnout. We argue that higher turnout is often found in elections with higher electoral integrity. We tested our claims using data for over 700 elections covering 85 democracies for the 1950–2008 period. Results reveal that both boycott and election-related violence decrease turnout, but the effect of the former is substantially higher. We also find that, contrary to initial expectations, governments’ harassment of the opposition and the occasional banning of parties actually increases turnout.     

Vilnius 1795–1939: Cartographic Visions and Territorial Projects of a Disputed Space

Advanced doctoral students whose dissertations are substantially concerned with the history of cartography are invited to contact the editor of this section (Dr Elizabeth Baigent, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford OX2 6PW, UK; elizabeth.baigent@wycliffe.ox.ac.uk) to discuss the submission of a short article. For a list of doctoral theses in progress see http://www.maphistory.info/futurephd.html.     

‘Imago Mundi’ bibliography (of literature,mainly published in 1974–1975.)

Lexicon zur Geschichte der Kartographie von den Anfängen bis zum ersten Weltkrieg edited by Ingrid Kretschmer, Johannes Dörflinger and Franz Wawrik with the editorial assistance of Elisabeth Tomasi. Die Kartographie und ihre Randgebiete: Enzyklopädie, Vol. C/1 &; 2. Vienna: Franz Deuticke, 1986. Pp. xxiv + 988. ÖS.3000.00.

Cartography in France 1660–1848: Science, engineering, and statecraft by Josef W. Konvitz. Chicago and London: The University of Chicago Press, 1987. 0 226 45094 5. Pp. xx + 194, illustrations. $31.95.

De Physique Existentie dezes Landes. Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum, 1987. Pp. 271. Hfl.39.00.

Z Dejin Geodezie a Kartografie 5. Rozpravy Národního Technického Muzea v Praze 107. Prague: Národní Technické Museum, 1986. Pp. 222.

Catalogue of the MRIO‐Miscellaneous Maps of the Survey of India (1742–1872). New Delhi: National Archives of India, 1982. Pp. viii + 366.

Catalogue of Forest Maps of the Survey of India. New Delhi: National Archives of India, 1984. Pp. viii + 174. Rs.28.00.

National Archives of India. Catalogue of Printed &; Published Maps. New Delhi, 1986. 2 volumes: pp. iv + 446; 322. Rs. 145.00.     

An old hypothesis and new tools: Alfred Fessard's approach to the problem of consciousness

In 1954, a symposium was held in Canada on "Brain Mechanisms and Consciousness." It was a time for the promotion of international and interdisciplinary scientific cooperation, of new technological expectation, and of speculating about complex human behavior. Alfred Fessard's lecture on "Mechanisms of Nervous Integration and Conscious Experience" was one of the outstanding presentations, rich in critical analysis of the then available experimental data and in working hypothesis proposals. Reading the concept expressed by Fessard, it was found that several of his ideas had anticipated data obtained in modern research with new technologies.     

Ajvatovica: A Bridge Between Tradition and National and Religious Identity

The religious/cultural event Ajvatovica, the most attended Muslim gathering in Europe, provides a vivid example of the “cooperation” that exists between the nation and religion in contemporary Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Although officially a religious event, it has a special place in the ambiguous nation-building project of BiH, relating specifically to the nation-building process of Bosniaks. In this paper, I will address this religious event in its historical and social context, and point to its significance and symbolism. I will pay particular attention to the attitudes of the socialist authorities towards this event, the motives behind its revival and its context, and the modifications made to it during the 1990s, which were closely related to the social and political changes taking place in BiH.