2017 (Theory): Keegan and Hofman emphasize that the architectural and material evidence from the Bahamas and Jamaica reveals a high degree of local innovatio…
2017 (Theory): Keegan and Hofman emphasize that the architectural and material evidence from the Bahamas and Jamaica reveals a high degree of local innovation and regional connectivity. They argue that features like the stone-lined roads and leveled courts at MC-6 demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of engineering and spatial organization. Similarly, the specialized jewelry and diverse faunal records in Jamaica point to communities that were deeply integrated into their local environments while maintaining ties to the wider Caribbean. By examining these sites in detail, the authors aim to move beyond broad cultural labels to recognize the unique historical trajectories of different island populations. This approach highlights the “vibrant” and multifaceted nature of indigenous life in the centuries leading up to European contact.