The Oxford Handbook Of The Archaeology Of Death And Burial

About “The Oxford Handbook Of The Archaeology Of Death And Burial”

The archaeology of death and burial offers valuable insights into past human lives through material remains, including biological data such as age, sex, health, DNA, and diet. It also reveals how people were treated in mortuary rituals, providing information on beliefs, emotions, and social structures. This volume introduces these aspects, featuring contributions from global scholars. It includes historical overviews, modern methods for analyzing biological data, and theoretical approaches to topics like identity and ritual. The book contains 44 chapters and draws on case studies from various cultures and time periods. It emphasizes ethical considerations in handling human remains and ritual objects. Published in 2013, the handbook reviews the state of mortuary archaeology and its practices.