Social zooarchaeology: humans and animals in prehistory

Includes References & Index

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.

The first comprehensive overview of the emerging field of social zooarchaeology
Argues for the importance of recognising the symbolic and social roles of animals in past societies
Suitable for all zooarchaeologists and archaeologists with interests in animals.

https://www.cambridge.org/in/universitypress/subjects/archaeology/prehistory/social-zooarchaeology-humans-and-animals-prehistory?format=PB