Bioarchaeology and Identity in the Americas (Bioarchaeological Interpretations of the Human Past: Local Regional and Global Perspectives) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 081303678X ISBN 13: 9780813036786

Publisher: University Press of Florida, 2011

Synopsis

Bioarchaeology and Identity in the Americas represents an important shift in the interpretation of skeletal remains in the Americas. Until recently, bioarchaeology has focused on interpreting and analyzing populations. The contributors here look to examine how individuals fit into those larger populations. The overall aim is to demonstrate how bioarchaeologists can uniquely contribute to our understanding of the formation, representation, and repercussions of identity. The contributors combine historical and archaeological data with population genetic analyses, biogeochemical analyses of human tooth enamel and bones, mortuary patterns, and body modifications. With case studies drawn from North, Central, and South American mortuary remains from AD 500 to the Colonial period, they examine a wide range of factors that make up identity, including ethnicity, age, gender, and social, political, and religious constructions. By adding a valuable biological element to the study of culture--a topic traditionally associated with social theorists, ethnographers, and historical archaeologies--this volume highlights the importance of skeletal evidence in helping us better understand our past.

About this title

About the Author

Kelly J. Knudson is assistant professor and founding member of the Center for Bioarchaeological Research at Arizona State University. Christopher M. Stojanowski, assistant professor and founding member of the Center for Bioarchaeological Research at Arizona State University, is the author of Biocultural Histories in La Florida.

Edition details

• Publisher: University Press of Florida
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 081303678X
• ISBN 13: 9780813036786
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272
• Editor: Knudsen Kelly J., Stojanowski Christopher M.