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The core subject matter of bioarchaeology is the lives of past peoples, interpreted anthropologically. Human remains, contextualized archaeologically and historically, form the unit of study. Integrative and frequently inter-disciplinary, bioarchaeology draws methods and theoretical perspectives from across the sciences and the humanities. Bioarchaeology: The Contextual Study of Human Remains focuses upon the contemporary practice of bioarchaeology in North American contexts, its accomplishments and challenges. Appendixes, a glossary and 150 page bibliography make the volume extremely useful for research and teaching.
List of contents
Bioarchaeology
About the author
Jane E Buikstra, Lane A Beck
Summary
This book explores the nuances of the field of "bioarchaeology," emphasizing the reconstruction of human histories through anthropological problem solving and the integration of archaeological data.
Additional text
"...A rich history of bioarchaeology in North America is described by a number of the most experienced and prominent scholars. The authors give us everything: the necessary information, bioarchaeology of the past, and the present state pf this significant area of science. I thought I knew it all, but I learned much more. This book is a valuable gift to contemporary and future colleagues. It will be an important platform, a 'must' for students in the field. I call it a masterpiece!"... -Pia Bennike, University of Copenhagen"...This book is rich in historical detail on the development of bioarchaeology but it also boldly confronts theoretical issues and controversies. This is the place to discover how the field of reconstructing human histories from skeletons has developed from early eighteenth-century precursors through the twentieth-century pioneers. Careful scholarship goes into redressing many of the current 'simplified' views of what those pioneers contributed to bioarchaeology. This book should provide a wealth of material for discussion in upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses."... -Shelley R. Saunders, McMaster University"...Venturing far beyond cursory description and generic overview, this deeply introspective book tackles controversial issues head-on, sets a high standard for the study of intellectual history, and will undoubtedly initiate rich debate within the field."... -A. L. Grauer, Loyola University"A remarkably compelling and comprehensive exploration of the history and future of bioarchaeology, with contributions by all the leading scholars in the discipline."... -Bruce Smith, Smithsonian Institute"This book performs the dual roles of clarifying the term 'bioarchaeology' and positioning current research in its historical and social context. Advanced students and professionals in the field will welcome it as a source where the history of our field is documented. They, and readers from other fie
