Ethnohistory: Problems and Prospects

A general review is provided of the current state of ethnohistorical research in North America. The development of ethnohistory is correlated with a growing awareness that understanding change is essential if ethnological and prehistoric archaeological data are to be interpreted in an acceptable manner. There is also increasing awareness of the interdependence of all three approaches and that understanding Native American history is essential for understanding colonial history. There is also growing consensus that the findings of ethnohistorical, ethnological, and archaeological research must be interpreted in an historical context that is provided by a holistic Native American history. Because of their experience with interdisciplinary research, enthnohistorians have an important role to play in coordinating the findings of these various approaches in an integrated historical framework.