Prehistoric Economies in Middle-range Societies: Papers in Honor of Katherine Spielmann

This symposium honors the scholarly contributions of Katherine Spielmann to the field of archaeology. Mirroring Dr. Spielmann's research interests, this symposium focuses on prehistoric economies in smaller-scale and middle-range societies, primarily in North America. Former students examine a variety of topics on this subject, including the processes underlying economic intensification, the role of feasting and ritual in small-scale economies, and the variety of conditions under which small-scale and middle-range societies with relatively non-complex political systems develop complex, specialized economies and systems of exchange. Reflecting Dr. Spielmann’s interest in human-ecosystem interaction, papers also investigate the long-term ecological changes that resulted from settlement by relatively sedentary farmers in particular environments. The overarching goal is to highlight both the interconnectedness of these themes and the positive impact of Dr. Spielmann’s ideas and research on her students and the discipline as a whole.