The roots of the question: Surprise Valley, Alyawarra, and the early development of James F. O'Connell's ethnoarchaeology

James F. O'Connell is one of the most influential ethnoarchaelogists, especially so for his contributions to the development of behavioral ecology in anthropology. His scholarship in Australian archaeology and his ethnographic work with Hadza hunter-gatherers are probably best known. However, his intellectual development in the archaeology of Western North America and commitment to Australian ethnography remain underappreciated. Here I trace details of his ethnoarchaeological roots – from his background in Great Basin archaeology through his early ethnographic work in Australia – to demonstrate the maturation of an increasingly relevant and important approach to understanding human-environmental interactions.