2017 (Theory): In synthesizing the Late Ceramic Age dynamics of the northern Caribbean, Keegan and Hofman emphasize that sites like Los Buchillones and MC-6 …

2017 (Theory): In synthesizing the Late Ceramic Age dynamics of the northern Caribbean, Keegan and Hofman emphasize that sites like Los Buchillones and MC-6 showcase a level of cultural hybridity and local adaptation. They argue that the “Taíno” label often masks the specific historical trajectories of island groups like the Lucayans, who maintained distinct identities while participating in a shared prestige economy. The use of both local and imported materials demonstrates that indigenous communities were neither isolated nor entirely subsumed by larger chiefdoms. Instead, the archaeological record supports a “kaleidoscopic” view of the Caribbean where diverse groups navigated a complex web of social, economic, and ritual connections.