2017 (Theory): Keegan and Hofman argue that the material wealth found in early Saladoid and Huecoid settlements represents more than just economic trade; it …
2017 (Theory): Keegan and Hofman argue that the material wealth found in early Saladoid and Huecoid settlements represents more than just economic trade; it is the physical manifestation of “Big Man” social structures. They emphasize that the specialized production of personal adornments and their eventual burial in middens or graves were strategies used by leaders to build and display social capital. The authors point out that these items were unique to their geological sources, making them powerful tools for establishing the distinct identity of a settlement. By tracking these “social valuables,” archaeologists can reconstruct the complex web of competitive and cooperative relationships that defined the Early Ceramic Age. This perspective frames the Caribbean not as a collection of isolated islands, but as a vibrant, interconnected social landscape.