Canadian Institutions and Lower Central American Archaeology: An Historical Overview of Research along the Southern Mesoamerican Periphery.

Canadian universities have played an important role in the founding and development of archaeological programs in lower Central America, especially with regard to the geocultural interface that exists at the southern periphery of Mesoamerica. These developments range from the establishment of basic culture history to more nuanced theoretical inquiries, particularly relating to concepts of social identity and ethnic affiliation. This paper presents a brief overview of the major contributions made by Canadian institutions and their affiliated researchers, with a focus on significant pioneering advances achieved in northeast Honduras, El Salvador, and Pacific Nicaragua. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]