The Body as Material Culture: A Theoretical Osteoarchaeology (Topics in Contemporary Archaeology, Series Number 4)

Bodies intrigue us. They promise windows into the past that other archaeological finds cannot by bringing us literally face to face with history. Yet 'the body' is also highly contested. Archaeological bodies are studied through two contrasting perspectives that sit on different sides of a disciplinary divide. On one hand lie science-based osteoarchaeological approaches. On the other lie understandings derived from recent developments in social theory that increasingly view the body as a social construction. Through a close examination of disciplinary practice, Joanna Sofaer highlights the tensions and possibilities offered by one particular kind of archaeological body, the human skeleton, with particular regard to the study of gender and age. Using a range of examples, she argues for reassessment of the role of the skeletal body in archaeological practice, and develops a theoretical framework for bioarchaeology based on the materiality and historicity of human remains. Through A Close Examination Of Disciplinary Practice, Joanna Sofaer Highlights The Tensions And Possibilities Offered By One Particular Kind Of Archaeological Body, The Human Skeleton, With Particular Regard To The Study Of Gender And Age. Using A Range Of Examples, She Argues For Reassessment Of The Role Of The Skeletal Body In Archaeological Practice, And Develops A Theoretical Framework For Bioarchaeology Based On The Materiality And Historicity Of Human Remains.--jacket. Bodies And Boundaries -- The Body As An Archaeological Resource -- The Body And Convention In Archaeological Practice -- Material Bodies -- Sex And Gender -- Age. Joanna R. Sofaer. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 144-180) And Index. Skeletal remains are a vital source of evidence for archaeologists. Their interpretation has tended to take two divergent the scientific and the humanistic. In this innovative study, Joanna Sofaer Derevenski argues that these approaches are unnecessarily polarized and that one should not be pursued without the other. Exploring key themes such as sex, gender, life cycle and diet, she argues that the body is both biological object and cultural site and is not easily detached from the objects, practices and landscapes that surround it.