Fedickschrift: Notes on a Prominent Historical Figure in Ethnoecology, Ethnoarchaeology, and Landscape Studies

Summary

The legacy of Scott Fedick in ethnoecology, ethnoarchaeology, and landscape studies cannot be understated. Aside from years of active collaborative work and mentorship, the dissemination of his research has led to rich interpretations far beyond his immediate influence.

In the first part of this paper, I follow impacts of Fedick's scholarship in several fields, as tracked through citations and students. I also trace his impacts on public policy and common understandings of Maya lifeways. In the second part of this paper, I address Fedick's work at the site of T'isil, Yalahau Region of Quintana Roo, where he carried out over a decade of research. I report my findings from paleoethnobotanical analysis at a well-to-do ancient household in the center of the site, including macroremains and microremains. I consider shifts in plant practices and relationships with the landscape as indexed by these residues.

These findings are illuminated by those from Fedick's own experimental studies and publications on ethnoecology and the landscape. I pay particular attention to his writings on the "managed mosaic" that both reflected and inspired ancient Maya ethnoecological practice. Such work has guided countless scholars, whether field school students, graduate student advisees, or collaborators in archaeology.

SAA 2015 abstracts made available in tDAR courtesy of the Society for American Archaeology and Center for Digital Antiquity Collaborative Program to improve digital data in archaeology. If you are the author of this presentation you may upload your paper, poster, presentation, or associated data (up to 3 files/30MB) for free. Please visit http://www.tdar.org/SAA2015 for instructions and more information.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• The Managed Mosaic: Papers in Honor of Scott L. Fedick   •
• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage