Abstract

The critical turn in the social sciences has forced archaeologists to reflect on the theoretical structures they use to interpret the archaeological record. In this paper, I argue that archaeologists need to focus more attention on vertical linkages – on the relationships between the high and low level theoretical concepts they use. Through two examples, I demonstrate how untangling these connections can aid on-the-ground research in Canada and allow Canadian archaeologists to contribute more fully to global theoretical debates. First, I will show how Woodland sites from Ontario can be used to address the style debate. Second, I will suggest that last years CAA session, Who's Asking the Questions? New Directions and Uses for Canadian Archaeology – Part I, demonstrates both the importance and the limits of the postprocessual critique.