Breathing New Life into the Evidence of Death
Subtitle
Contemporary Approaches to Bioarchaeology
Edited by Jane Buikstra, Aubrey Baadsgaard and Alexis Boutin
Taking cues from current theoretical perspectives and capitalizing on the strengths of new and sophisticated methods of analysis, "Breathing New Life into the Evidence of Death" showcases the vibrancy of bioarchaeological research and its potential for bringing “new life” to the field of mortuary archaeology and the study of human remains. These new trajectories challenge old stereotypes, redefine the way research of human remains should be accomplished, and erase the divide that once separated osteologists from archaeologists. Through case studies ranging from body piercing in prehistoric Chile to Christian burials in early Medieval Ireland, the contributors to this book take a broad and deep look at themes including archaeologies of identity, the contemporary sociopolitical effects of bioarchaeological research and materiality in the mortuary record.
Bio
Jane Buikstra is a Regents' Professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change. Her research encompasses bioarchaeology, paleopathology, forensic anthropology and paleodemography. Among her current work is an investigation of the evolutionary history of ancient tuberculosis in the Americas based on archaeologically recovered pathogen DNA.
Praise for this book
This book is a robust contribution toward bringing bioarchaeology firmly into the larger sphere of anthropological approaches to the past. Although the case studies range far and wide, the editors' attention to disciplinary history and a productive thematic organization result in a fresh collection that should inspire both students and seasoned practitioners. The authors, while grounding their work firmly in established bioarchaeological method, also chart new and essential theoretical terrain that represents the future of contextualized work in the field.
Ann M. Kakaliouras Whittier College
"This book makes a significant contribution to the field of archaeology by encouraging a holistic approach that employs a variety of theoretical perspectives and methodologies derived from archaeology, physical anthropology, and cultural anthropology (ethnography). It illustrates how novel applications of social theory can inform mortuary evidence when material artifacts and human remains are considered together."
Sam D. Stout Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute
