Record In Search of the Early Americans | Collections Search Center, Smithsonian Institution

In Search of the Early Americans

Place:: Mesa Verde (Calif.); Pueblo Bonito Site (N.M.); Chaco Canyon (N.M.); North America

Scope and Contents:: Edited film produced by the Shell Oil Company in consultation with the Smithsonian Department of Anthropology. Film presents the theory that a prehistoric land bridge existed between Seward Peninsula and Siberia allowing the migration of man to North America. Animated scenes depict the formation of glaciers and the subsequent fall in sea level creating the landbridge. Sites depicted and discussed include Mesa Verde in Colorado, Chaco Canyon and Pueblo Bonito in New Mexico, Cahokia Mound in Illinois, and the Mississippian Mounds of southeast United States. Discussion of lifeways in the Anasazi pueblos includes tool and pottery making demonstrations. Other subjects discussed are the history of cultivation, particularly corn, and dating sites using tree rings. Legacy keywords: Tools and implements American Indian ; Pottery American Indian ; Museum exhibits ; Dendrochronology ; Geomorphology ; Corn ; Paleography ; Pueblo Indians Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or Anthropology Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.

Restrictions:: The collection is open for research. Please contact the archives for information on availability of access copies of audiovisual recordings. Original audiovisual material in the Human Studies Film Archives may not be played.

Citation:: In Search of the Early Americans, Human Studies Film Archives, Smithsonian Institution