The Continuous Path challenges archaeologists to take Pueblo notions of movement seriously by privileging Pueblo concepts of being and becoming in the interpretation of anthropological data. In this volume, archaeologists, anthropologists, and Native community members weave multiple perspectives together to write histories of particular Pueblo peoples. Within these histories are stories of the movements of people, materials, and ideas, as well as the interconnectedness of all as the Pueblo people find, leave, and return to their middle places. What results is an emphasis on historical continuities and the understanding that the same concepts of movement that guided the actions of Pueblo people in the past continue to do so into the present and the future.
Movement is a never-ending and directed journey toward an ideal existence and a continuous path of becoming. This path began as the Pueblo people emerged from the underworld and sought their middle places, and it continues today at multiple levels, integrating the people, the village, and the individual.
"... this volume is a well-crafted and welcome demonstration of the merits and challenges that accompany decentering Western anthropological theory."--Kellam Throgmorton, American Antiquity
"The Continuous Path shows what can be achieved by practicing an Indigenous archaeology that is collaboratively developed and implemented. Such an archaeology can co-produce knowledge that is ethnocritical and humanizing while retaining scientific validity."--Larry J. Zimmerman, Professor Emeritus, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
"This book presents a familiar cultural landscape through a refocused lens that highlights different relationships and insights. I thank the authors for sharing information that led me to new ways of observing, understanding, and--most importantly--humanizing this remarkable landscape."--Shirley Powell, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
"The Continuous Path demonstrates the potential of research partnerships among archaeologists and community members, especially when research goals are developed collaboratively, and should provide inspiration for community-based partnerships in many areas of the world." --Gregson Schachner, Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute