The chronology of the new world: Two faces of one reality

The paper gives a review of archaeological work in the south‐eastern part of Piaui State, Brazil, with particular reference to the chronology and geological history of rocksheiter sites, such as Toca do Boqueiräo at Pedra Furada, and Toca do Sitio do Meio. The article analyses critiques of early dates in South America, notes a bias towards the rejection of early dates, and gives additional documentation to the early dates in Piaui State. It concludes by urging that a new consensus be developed among archaeologists studying early American sites.