Stephen Plog
Biographic Data
| ID | 3618231 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Stephen Plog |
| GIVEN NAMES | Stephen |
| FAMILY NAME | Plog |
| SIGNATURE | PLOG S |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Virginia |
| VERIFIED | No |
| TOTAL WORKS | 23 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 252 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 22 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 1 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1977 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2022 |
| H-INDEX | 7 |
Birds of the Sun: Macaws and People in the U.S. Southwest and Mexican Northwest
Birds of the Sun: Macaws and People in the U. S. Southwest and Mexican Northwest
Birds of the Sun: The Many Dimensions of Macaws and Other Parrots in the Lives of Pre-Hispanic People of the U.S. Southwest and Mexican Northwest
Water uncertainty, ritual predictability and agricultural canals at Chaco Canyon, New Mexico
The Pueblo population of Chaco Canyon during the Bonito Phase (AD 800–1130) employed agricultural strategies and water-management systems to enhance food cultivation in this unpredictable environment. Scepticism concerning the timing and effectiveness of this system, however, remains common. Using optically stimulated luminescence dating of sediments and LiDAR imaging, the authors located Bonito Phase canal features at the far west end of the can…
Archaeogenomic evidence reveals prehistoric matrilineal dynasty
For societies with writing systems, hereditary leadership is documented as one of the hallmarks of early political complexity and governance. In contrast, it is unknown whether hereditary succession played a role in the early formation of prehistoric complex societies that lacked writing. Here we use an archaeogenomic approach to identify an elite matriline that persisted between 800 and 1130 CE in Chaco Canyon, the centre of an expansive prehist…
Key Dimensions of the Cultural Trajectories of Chaco Canyon
This chapter reviews the issues that continue to challenge understandings of the pre-colonial developments that occurred in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico during the ninth–twelfth centuries ce. It specificially focuses on questions of population, agricultural potential, the organization of production, internal social dynamics, and the nature of regional interactions. The chapter highlights major trends in Chacoan research, as space does not allow a ful…
Key Issues and Topics in the Archaeology of the American Southwest and Northwestern Mexico
We review some of the most significant research trends as well as emerging issues in the archaeology of the American Southwest and Northwest Mexico. Among the many topics being studied that we could discuss, we have chosen to focus on engaged archaeology, “big data”, the research potential of museum collections, agriculture, social organization, regional connectivity, and culture history
The Chaco Pilgrimage Model: Evaluating the Evidence From Pueblo Alto
Most recent attempts to understand the complex nature of the prehispanic occupation of Chaco Canyon in northwestern New Mexico often have postulated that the canyon was a center for pilgrimage fairs and ceremonies that attracted hundreds if not thousands of individuals from the surrounding region who may have resided in the canyon for significant periods of time. Scholars first proposed this model in the 1980s based on what they perceived as the …
Hierarchy and social inequality in the American Southwest, A.D. 800–1200
Chaco Canyon in northwestern New Mexico has been the focus of much recent archaeological research on Pueblo groups who lived during the 9th through 12th centuries in the American Southwest. Here, we examine variation in mortuary patterns in the canyon, focusing in particular on one mortuary crypt, to address questions of social differentiation and the chronology of important sociopolitical processes. Based on new radiocarbon dates as well as rean…
Questions, theory and concepts
I agree with the thrust of Matthew Johnson's paper; in particular, I concur with his conclusion that there is archaeological theory, but not a 'distinctive way of thinking about the world in theoretical terms specific to archaeology' (p. 117). As Johnson argues, I believe we currently have multiple theories of archaeology and all of these overlap with other disciplines. During a six-year period of administrative service at the University of Virgi…
Exploring the Ubiquitous through the Unusual: Color Symbolism in Pueblo Black-on-White Pottery
One of the common design characteristics on black-on-white pottery from the eleventh and twelfth centuries in the northern American Southwest is the use of thin, parallel lines (hachure) to fill the interior of bands, triangles, or other forms. This essay explores a proposal offered by Jerry Brody that hachure was a symbol for the color blue-green. Brody's proposal is examined by exploring colors and color patterns used to decorate nonceramic mat…
An Anthropological Perspective on the Sample Size-Richness Relation: A Response to Leonard
We are in full agreement with Leonard, and many others, that the sample size-richness relation is an important concern for archaeologists, and we appreciate his evenhanded discussion of our paper. However, we disagree with Leonard regarding the point in the research process when variable prehistoric behavior can be used to explain differences in richness. Leonard and others argue that we must always begin studies of richness by controlling any ob…
Culture and Contact: Charles C. Di Peso's Gran Chichimeca
Navajo Multi‐Household Social Units . Thomas R. Rocek
Changing Perspectives on North and Middle American Exchange Systems
The Sample Size-Richness Relation: The Relevance of Research Questions, Sampling Strategies, and Behavioral Variation
Recent discussions of the relation between sample size and assemblage richness suggest that researchers should control for that relation before behavioral interpretations of richness levels can proceed. We suggest that such automatic decisions should be avoided because a strong correlation between sample size and richness alone is not sufficient evidence for dismissing behavioral factors as the primary causes of the variation in richness. Instead…
Chronology Construction and the Study of Prehistoric Culture Change
Issues in the measurement and interpretation of temporal processes are discussed, focusing in particular on the relationship between method and theory. Typical methods of chronology construction are examined and general problems identified. The importance of finding solutions to those problems is illustrated with reference to a specific, longstanding research issue: the relationship between environmental and cultural change in the Pueblo region o…
Some Issues in the Archaeology of 'Tribal' Social Systems
Saitta's (1983) comments on a model of the evolution of tribal social networks (Braun and Plog 1982) are discussed. Aspects of the model are clarified and problems with Saitta's interpretations are noted. In particular, we focus on questions concerning the relationship between stylistic variation and social networks and several issues concerning tribal social organization. We also address weaknesses in the alternative approach that Saitta describ…
Evolution of 'Tribal' Social Networks: Theory and Prehistoric North American Evidence
This paper addresses two topics central to the study of nonhierarchical, regional social networks, sometimes termed 'tribal' social networks: (1) alternative models of the evolution of regional integration; and (2) the archaeological determination of characteristics of such regional networks. Problems in previous ethnological and archaeological studies are identified, and an alternative model is proposed. This is based on a more general theory of…
Stylistic Variation in Prehistoric Ceramics: Design Analysis in the American Southwest
Using data drawn primarily from the American Southwest, Stephen Plog shows that there are basic problems with the methods archaeologists traditionally use to classify and analyse prehistoric pottery. Archaeologists have studied the painted designs and other stylistic (that is, non-functional) characteristics on different types of prehistoric artifacts in order to infer information about prehistoric social organization and cultural change. Such st…
Decision Making in Modern Surveys
Sampling in Archaeological Surveys: A Critique
Some of the conclusions reached by Mueller (1974) in his study of sampling techniques for archaeological surveys must be disregarded because of the use of inappropriate formulas. In addition, his use of the concept of economy in comparing sampling techniques is questioned, as is his suggestion that the utility of probability sampling in archaeology must be tested
Behavioral Archeology. Michael B. Schiffer
Evolution of 'Tribal' Social Networks: Theory and Prehistoric North American Evidence
This paper addresses two topics central to the study of nonhierarchical, regional social networks, sometimes termed 'tribal' social networks: (1) alternative models of the evolution of regional integration; and (2) the archaeological determination of characteristics of such regional networks. Problems in previous ethnological and archaeological studies are identified, and an alternative model is proposed. This is based on a more general theory of…
Stylistic Variation in Prehistoric Ceramics: Design Analysis in the American Southwest
Using data drawn primarily from the American Southwest, Stephen Plog shows that there are basic problems with the methods archaeologists traditionally use to classify and analyse prehistoric pottery. Archaeologists have studied the painted designs and other stylistic (that is, non-functional) characteristics on different types of prehistoric artifacts in order to infer information about prehistoric social organization and cultural change. Such st…
Exploring the Ubiquitous through the Unusual: Color Symbolism in Pueblo Black-on-White Pottery
One of the common design characteristics on black-on-white pottery from the eleventh and twelfth centuries in the northern American Southwest is the use of thin, parallel lines (hachure) to fill the interior of bands, triangles, or other forms. This essay explores a proposal offered by Jerry Brody that hachure was a symbol for the color blue-green. Brody's proposal is examined by exploring colors and color patterns used to decorate nonceramic mat…
The Chaco Pilgrimage Model: Evaluating the Evidence From Pueblo Alto
Most recent attempts to understand the complex nature of the prehispanic occupation of Chaco Canyon in northwestern New Mexico often have postulated that the canyon was a center for pilgrimage fairs and ceremonies that attracted hundreds if not thousands of individuals from the surrounding region who may have resided in the canyon for significant periods of time. Scholars first proposed this model in the 1980s based on what they perceived as the …
Chronology Construction and the Study of Prehistoric Culture Change
Issues in the measurement and interpretation of temporal processes are discussed, focusing in particular on the relationship between method and theory. Typical methods of chronology construction are examined and general problems identified. The importance of finding solutions to those problems is illustrated with reference to a specific, longstanding research issue: the relationship between environmental and cultural change in the Pueblo region o…
Water uncertainty, ritual predictability and agricultural canals at Chaco Canyon, New Mexico
The Pueblo population of Chaco Canyon during the Bonito Phase (AD 800–1130) employed agricultural strategies and water-management systems to enhance food cultivation in this unpredictable environment. Scepticism concerning the timing and effectiveness of this system, however, remains common. Using optically stimulated luminescence dating of sediments and LiDAR imaging, the authors located Bonito Phase canal features at the far west end of the can…
The Sample Size-Richness Relation: The Relevance of Research Questions, Sampling Strategies, and Behavioral Variation
Recent discussions of the relation between sample size and assemblage richness suggest that researchers should control for that relation before behavioral interpretations of richness levels can proceed. We suggest that such automatic decisions should be avoided because a strong correlation between sample size and richness alone is not sufficient evidence for dismissing behavioral factors as the primary causes of the variation in richness. Instead…
Key Issues and Topics in the Archaeology of the American Southwest and Northwestern Mexico
We review some of the most significant research trends as well as emerging issues in the archaeology of the American Southwest and Northwest Mexico. Among the many topics being studied that we could discuss, we have chosen to focus on engaged archaeology, “big data”, the research potential of museum collections, agriculture, social organization, regional connectivity, and culture history
An Anthropological Perspective on the Sample Size-Richness Relation: A Response to Leonard
We are in full agreement with Leonard, and many others, that the sample size-richness relation is an important concern for archaeologists, and we appreciate his evenhanded discussion of our paper. However, we disagree with Leonard regarding the point in the research process when variable prehistoric behavior can be used to explain differences in richness. Leonard and others argue that we must always begin studies of richness by controlling any ob…
Some Issues in the Archaeology of 'Tribal' Social Systems
Saitta's (1983) comments on a model of the evolution of tribal social networks (Braun and Plog 1982) are discussed. Aspects of the model are clarified and problems with Saitta's interpretations are noted. In particular, we focus on questions concerning the relationship between stylistic variation and social networks and several issues concerning tribal social organization. We also address weaknesses in the alternative approach that Saitta describ…
Key Dimensions of the Cultural Trajectories of Chaco Canyon
This chapter reviews the issues that continue to challenge understandings of the pre-colonial developments that occurred in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico during the ninth–twelfth centuries ce. It specificially focuses on questions of population, agricultural potential, the organization of production, internal social dynamics, and the nature of regional interactions. The chapter highlights major trends in Chacoan research, as space does not allow a ful…
Sampling in Archaeological Surveys: A Critique
Some of the conclusions reached by Mueller (1974) in his study of sampling techniques for archaeological surveys must be disregarded because of the use of inappropriate formulas. In addition, his use of the concept of economy in comparing sampling techniques is questioned, as is his suggestion that the utility of probability sampling in archaeology must be tested
Behavioral Archeology. Michael B. Schiffer
Behavioral Archeology. Michael B. Schiffer
Decision Making in Modern Surveys
Sampling in Archaeological Surveys: A Critique
Some of the conclusions reached by Mueller (1974) in his study of sampling techniques for archaeological surveys must be disregarded because of the use of inappropriate formulas. In addition, his use of the concept of economy in comparing sampling techniques is questioned, as is his suggestion that the utility of probability sampling in archaeology must be tested
Stylistic Variation in Prehistoric Ceramics: Design Analysis in the American Southwest
Using data drawn primarily from the American Southwest, Stephen Plog shows that there are basic problems with the methods archaeologists traditionally use to classify and analyse prehistoric pottery. Archaeologists have studied the painted designs and other stylistic (that is, non-functional) characteristics on different types of prehistoric artifacts in order to infer information about prehistoric social organization and cultural change. Such st…
Evolution of 'Tribal' Social Networks: Theory and Prehistoric North American Evidence
This paper addresses two topics central to the study of nonhierarchical, regional social networks, sometimes termed 'tribal' social networks: (1) alternative models of the evolution of regional integration; and (2) the archaeological determination of characteristics of such regional networks. Problems in previous ethnological and archaeological studies are identified, and an alternative model is proposed. This is based on a more general theory of…
Some Issues in the Archaeology of 'Tribal' Social Systems
Saitta's (1983) comments on a model of the evolution of tribal social networks (Braun and Plog 1982) are discussed. Aspects of the model are clarified and problems with Saitta's interpretations are noted. In particular, we focus on questions concerning the relationship between stylistic variation and social networks and several issues concerning tribal social organization. We also address weaknesses in the alternative approach that Saitta describ…
Chronology Construction and the Study of Prehistoric Culture Change
Issues in the measurement and interpretation of temporal processes are discussed, focusing in particular on the relationship between method and theory. Typical methods of chronology construction are examined and general problems identified. The importance of finding solutions to those problems is illustrated with reference to a specific, longstanding research issue: the relationship between environmental and cultural change in the Pueblo region o…
Changing Perspectives on North and Middle American Exchange Systems
The Sample Size-Richness Relation: The Relevance of Research Questions, Sampling Strategies, and Behavioral Variation
Recent discussions of the relation between sample size and assemblage richness suggest that researchers should control for that relation before behavioral interpretations of richness levels can proceed. We suggest that such automatic decisions should be avoided because a strong correlation between sample size and richness alone is not sufficient evidence for dismissing behavioral factors as the primary causes of the variation in richness. Instead…
Culture and Contact: Charles C. Di Peso's Gran Chichimeca
Navajo Multi‐Household Social Units . Thomas R. Rocek
An Anthropological Perspective on the Sample Size-Richness Relation: A Response to Leonard
We are in full agreement with Leonard, and many others, that the sample size-richness relation is an important concern for archaeologists, and we appreciate his evenhanded discussion of our paper. However, we disagree with Leonard regarding the point in the research process when variable prehistoric behavior can be used to explain differences in richness. Leonard and others argue that we must always begin studies of richness by controlling any ob…
Exploring the Ubiquitous through the Unusual: Color Symbolism in Pueblo Black-on-White Pottery
One of the common design characteristics on black-on-white pottery from the eleventh and twelfth centuries in the northern American Southwest is the use of thin, parallel lines (hachure) to fill the interior of bands, triangles, or other forms. This essay explores a proposal offered by Jerry Brody that hachure was a symbol for the color blue-green. Brody's proposal is examined by exploring colors and color patterns used to decorate nonceramic mat…
Questions, theory and concepts
I agree with the thrust of Matthew Johnson's paper; in particular, I concur with his conclusion that there is archaeological theory, but not a 'distinctive way of thinking about the world in theoretical terms specific to archaeology' (p. 117). As Johnson argues, I believe we currently have multiple theories of archaeology and all of these overlap with other disciplines. During a six-year period of administrative service at the University of Virgi…
Hierarchy and social inequality in the American Southwest, A.D. 800–1200
Chaco Canyon in northwestern New Mexico has been the focus of much recent archaeological research on Pueblo groups who lived during the 9th through 12th centuries in the American Southwest. Here, we examine variation in mortuary patterns in the canyon, focusing in particular on one mortuary crypt, to address questions of social differentiation and the chronology of important sociopolitical processes. Based on new radiocarbon dates as well as rean…
The Chaco Pilgrimage Model: Evaluating the Evidence From Pueblo Alto
Most recent attempts to understand the complex nature of the prehispanic occupation of Chaco Canyon in northwestern New Mexico often have postulated that the canyon was a center for pilgrimage fairs and ceremonies that attracted hundreds if not thousands of individuals from the surrounding region who may have resided in the canyon for significant periods of time. Scholars first proposed this model in the 1980s based on what they perceived as the …
Key Issues and Topics in the Archaeology of the American Southwest and Northwestern Mexico
We review some of the most significant research trends as well as emerging issues in the archaeology of the American Southwest and Northwest Mexico. Among the many topics being studied that we could discuss, we have chosen to focus on engaged archaeology, “big data”, the research potential of museum collections, agriculture, social organization, regional connectivity, and culture history
Archaeogenomic evidence reveals prehistoric matrilineal dynasty
For societies with writing systems, hereditary leadership is documented as one of the hallmarks of early political complexity and governance. In contrast, it is unknown whether hereditary succession played a role in the early formation of prehistoric complex societies that lacked writing. Here we use an archaeogenomic approach to identify an elite matriline that persisted between 800 and 1130 CE in Chaco Canyon, the centre of an expansive prehist…
Key Dimensions of the Cultural Trajectories of Chaco Canyon
This chapter reviews the issues that continue to challenge understandings of the pre-colonial developments that occurred in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico during the ninth–twelfth centuries ce. It specificially focuses on questions of population, agricultural potential, the organization of production, internal social dynamics, and the nature of regional interactions. The chapter highlights major trends in Chacoan research, as space does not allow a ful…
Water uncertainty, ritual predictability and agricultural canals at Chaco Canyon, New Mexico
The Pueblo population of Chaco Canyon during the Bonito Phase (AD 800–1130) employed agricultural strategies and water-management systems to enhance food cultivation in this unpredictable environment. Scepticism concerning the timing and effectiveness of this system, however, remains common. Using optically stimulated luminescence dating of sediments and LiDAR imaging, the authors located Bonito Phase canal features at the far west end of the can…
Birds of the Sun: Macaws and People in the U.S. Southwest and Mexican Northwest
Birds of the Sun: Macaws and People in the U. S. Southwest and Mexican Northwest
Birds of the Sun: The Many Dimensions of Macaws and Other Parrots in the Lives of Pre-Hispanic People of the U.S. Southwest and Mexican Northwest
Archaeology (17 works) · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies (16 works) · Geography (16 works) · History (13 works) · Sociology (12 works) · Computer Science (8 works) · Canyon (6 works) · Cartography (6 works) · Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology (6 works) · Political science (6 works)