The Body as Material Culture: A Theoretical Osteoarchaeology

Topics in Contemporary Archaeology

by Joanna R. Sofaer

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.

Genres: Archaeology, Anthropology, Research

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 16, 2006

Reviews

[Kass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, someone makes theory make sense! This text was very well done. Sofaer explores the value of theory in osteoarchaeology from both past and present persepectives. Incorprating multiple theoretical paradigms, she expertly shows how the body (and biological anthropology) is crucial in archaeology.

This is the one and only time I have read a theory book and thought "yes, exactly!"

[Robin DiPasquale · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why is it that any theory text has to be convoluted and repetitive. There were some good points in here, but I honestly felt like this could have been a paper rather than a book. Oftentimes while reading theory, I more get the impression that they like to hear themselves talk but want everyone else to be mystified so it’s described in nonsensical ways.

[Devon · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my history and theory class, I decided to explore the theory of human remains as material culture. Sofaer's book is a source that was a major part of my paper. Sofaer does a wonderful job of detailing what bioarchaeologists/osteoarchaeologists do. I can see it as an assigned reading for an introductory course. Furthermore, she covers lots of theory in bioarchaeology.

However, I found that she used more of materiality rather than material culture. Alot of sources I consulted indicated that material culture and materiality are very different from one another. I still enjoyed Sofaer's book.