Social Zooarchaeology: Humans and Animals in Prehistory (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780521767378)

This is the first book to provide a systematic overview of social zooarchaeology, which takes a holistic view of human-animal relations in the past. Until recently, archaeological analysis of faunal evidence has primarily focused on the role of animals in the human diet and subsistence economy. This book, however, argues that animals have always played many more roles in human societies: as wealth, companions, spirit helpers, sacrificial victims, totems, centerpieces of feasts, objects of taboos, and more. These social factors are as significant as taphonomic processes in shaping animal bone assemblages. Nerissa Russell uses evidence derived from not only zooarchaeology, but also ethnography, history, and classical studies to suggest the range of human-animal relationships and to examine their importance in human society. Through exploring the significance of animals to ancient humans, this book provides a richer picture of past societies.

Author: Nerissa Russell
ISBN-10: 0521767377
ISBN-13: 9780521767378
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 11/21/2011
Pages: 562
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 2.70lbs
Size: 9.80h x 6.90w x 1.20d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 06/01/2012