Question

Native american cultures have been in arkansas for thousands of years. describe two major prehistoric and/or historic shifts that caused anthropologists and/or historians to distinguish the beginning of a new cultural period or group.

Answer 1

The transition from the Clovis culture to the Archaic period and the time when Eastern Woodlands peoples began farming around 2000 BCE are two significant historic shifts that marked the birth of new cultural groups in Arkansas.

Step-by-step explanation:

Native American cultures have undoubtedly evolved significantly in the span of thousands of years. A significant historic shift that led to the anthropologists' demarcation of a new cultural period in Arkansas was the transition from the Clovis culture to the archaic period. The Clovis culture, which initially spread across North America, later vanished within centuries, paving the way for a variety of distinctive cultures during the Archaic period (9000 to 2000 BCE).

Noteworthy cultural traditions emerged, adapted to their unique geographical conditions whether it be the Pacific Northwest, the Great Plains, or the Eastern Woodlands. Evidence of the Clovis culture was discovered as far south as in Central and South America, indicating the broad reach of this hunter-gatherer culture.

Another historic shift was during the time of the Eastern Woodlands peoples started farming native plants around 2000 BCE, defining the emergence of a new cultural group. The era was recognized by the appearance of large agrarian communities which pioneered trading networks, building architectural monuments, and achieving cultural advancements. This shift brought about a sedentary lifestyle, showcased by societies built around earthen mounds, symbolizing an architectural wonder of the time.

Learn more about Historical Shifts in Native American Cultures