Ancient Encounters - by James C Chatters (Paperback)

About the Book

A partial skeleton was discovered near Kennewick, Washington, in 1996. The author, an anthropologist, noticed the features of the skeleton were Caucasoid, yet had characteristics that appeared only in American Indian skeletons. It was also estimated at 9,500 years old. In this record of his experiences, Chatters offers a rare look at the collision of science, politics, federal law, and cultural traditions. of photos.

Book Synopsis

In 1996, two young men found a skeleton along the Columbia River near Kennewick, Washington. "Kennewick Man," as he became known, was brought to forensic anthropologist Jim Chatters, who was astonished when tests revealed the skeleton to be nearly 9,500 years old, one of the oldest intact skeletons ever found in North America -- and one that bore little resemblance to modern Native Americans. So who was Kennewick Man, and where did he come from?
Chatters set off to find out, but his work on the skeleton was soon halted when local Native American groups claimed the skeleton as an ancestor under federal law, and demanded the right to rebury the remains. Agreeing with their claim, the U.S. government seized Kennewick Man and put him into federal storage, where he remains to this day. So began a harsh, politically charged conflict, with scientists, Native Americans, and government agencies fighting to decide the destiny of Kennewick Man.
While this battle raged, Chatters began a quest to understand the lives and origins of Kennewick Man and his contemporaries, a quest that took him across three continents and far back in time to learn the identity of these true First Americans. Ultimately, it led him to a sense of what it really means to be human.

Review Quotes

American Archaeology Riveting. A strong case for continuing this research in the interest of our common humanity.

Frank D. Roylance Baltimore Sun Revealing and compelling.

Gavin McNett The New York Times Gripping. A deeply researched and writerly account of what we know about [Kennewick Man] and his people -- and where they might have come from.

About the Author

James C. Chatters, PH.D., is an archaeologist and paleoecologist who has dedicated his life to understanding the human and environmental prehistory of North America. He is currently a principal scientist with Foster Wheeler Environmental Corporation, an adjunct associate professor of research at Central Washington University, and a deputy coroner for Benton County, Washington. He formerly taught at the University of Washington and served as senior research scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He now lives in Bothell, Washington.