Ancient Middle America
Midsemester Exam, Fall 2011, Page 1
Anthropology 3618 Ancient Middle America
Midsemester Exam
13 October 2011
Version A
Answer the following FOUR (4) questions which are provided by “James” in Moodle. These
questions are generated from the questions you submitted to the class Midterm wiki, plus the
addition to the pool of at least one current affairs question and a question allowing you make up
and answer a question of your choice.
Question 1
Discuss the significance of stone tools in defining the earliest stage(s) of Ancient Middle
America. In your response discuss the two major different ways to make stone tools for
hunting.
Question 2
In the movie "The Fifth World of the Aztecs" we learn of the versatility of the Aztec
people. It was also mentioned several times in class that the Aztecs are very often used
as the model for interpreting pre-Aztec peoples of all of Ancient Middle America. Cactus
was central in many ways to Aztec life. Please give three ways in which the Aztecs
utilized or related to the cactus plant, and discuss each of those three in terms of its
significance in interpreting Ancient Middle America.
Question 3
What are the "Four Fields Approaches of American Anthropology?" Briefly describe
each one and how it may pertain to/is useful for Ancient Middle American studies.
What, in your opinion, is the main benefit of "The Four Fields Approach? Why?
Question 4
Why is the discovery of Ancient Mayan textiles so important in learning more about their
culture? Include in your answer specific examples of textiles you have seen so far in the
class materials.