Ustica II: excavations of 1994 and 1999. (Later prehistory and protohistory of the central & western Mediterranean).

Ustica II: excavations of 1994 and 1999. (Later prehistory and protohistory of the central & western Mediterranean). R. ROSS HOLLOWAY & SUSAN S. LUKESH with SPENCER A. POPE. UsticaII: excavations of 1994 and 1999 (Archaeologia transatlantica XIX).ii+83 pages, 90 figures, 8 tables. 2001. Providence (RI): BrownUniversity. ROSS HOLLOWAY and his team (notably SUSAN LUKESH) have the enviableability to select key sites and study them with well founded knowledgeand interdisciplinary flair; the study of Ustica follows in thetradition of La Muculufa and Tufariello. The four seasons of work onthis island north of Sicily on the maritime approaches to Palermo areclearly presented, allowing rapid assessment of the importance of theBronze Age Bronze Age,period in the development of technology when metals were first used regularly in the manufacture of tools and weapons. Pure copper and bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, were used indiscriminately at first; this early period is sometimes called the occupation of the fortified fortified (fôrt´fīd),adj containing additives more potent than the principal ingredient. site. With characteristicefficiency the team has contributed not only a clear pattern ofstructures and material culture, but additionally some rare offeringsfor this part of the Mediterranean: a suite of radiocarbon dates and acontribution to the understanding of the subsistence economy A subsistence economy is an economy in which a group generally obtains the necessities of life, but do not attempt to accumulate wealth. In such a system, a concept of wealth does not exist, and only minimal surpluses generally are created, therefore there is a reliance on renewal and trade(including obsidian). A notable aspect is the interpretation of theceramic vessels in terms of socially embedded eating patterns, and alsothe identification of possible trays for the drying of salt. The placingof the style of the material culture (including a cult statue disputedby some) within the Mediterranean has and will continue to raise debate.Interpretations may vary, but achievements of good fieldwork willpersist.