| The Bioarchaeology of the Human Head: Decapitation, Decoration, and Deformation Contributor(s): Bonogofsky, Michelle (Editor), Larsen, Clark Spencer (Foreword by) |
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ISBN: 0813035562 ISBN-13: 9780813035567 Publisher: University Press of Florida OUR PRICE: $79.15 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: April 2011 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Social Science | Archaeology - Social Science | Customs & Traditions - Religion | Ancient |
| Dewey: 930.1 |
| LCCN: 2011004807 |
| Series: Bioarchaeological Interpretations of the Human Past: Local, Regional, & Global Perspe...(Hardcover) |
| Physical Information: 1" H x 6.4" W x 9.3" (1.35 lbs) 344 pages |
| Themes: - Chronological Period - Ancient (To 499 A.D.) |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Building on the notion that human remains provide a window into the past, especially regarding identity, the contributors to this volume reflect on intentional and ritualized practices of manipulating the human head within ancient societies. These essays explore the human head's symbolic role in political, social, economic, and religious ritual over the centuries. By focusing on the various ways in which the head was treated at the time of death, as well as before and following, scholars uncover the significant social meaning of such treatment. This illuminating collection highlights biological and cultural manipulations of human heads, ultimately revealing whose skulls and heads were collected and why, whether as ancestors or enemies, as insiders or outsiders, as males, females, or children. Featuring a wealth of case studies from scholars across the globe, this volume emphasizes social identity and the use of the body in ritual, making it particularly helpful to all those interested in the cross-cultural handling of skulls and heads. |