Archaic and Living Traditions: Ethnoarchaeology of Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago.

This article examines the ethnoarchaeological context of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, focusing on the cultural history and interactions among its native tribes, hybrid descendants of convicts, and recent immigrants. It integrates archaeological evidence—primarily shell middens dating human habitation back to approximately 2,370 years before present—with ethnographic accounts of indigenous groups such as the Andamanese, Jarwa, Onge, Shompen, and Nicobarese. The study highlights distinct coastal and inland settlement patterns, artifact use, pottery technology, and preservation practices that reflect adaptations to the islands' diverse ecosystems. It also discusses the impact of immigration and development on native cultures, emphasizing the islands' transformation into a pluralistic culturescape while underscoring the ethnoarchaeological significance of material remains and living traditions in understanding cultural continuity and change.