Focusing on the innovative concept of 'bioarchaeology of care', this book offers a thorough introduction to its theory and methodology, consisting of a four-stage analytical framework. It serves as both a primary resource and a practical manual for implementing this approach. The text delves into the foundational principles behind bioarchaeology of care and presents three detailed case studies of prehistoric caregiving. These examples illustrate the method's potential to uncover previously hidden insights about past identities and lifestyles.
This volume evaluates, refines, and expands concepts in the emerging field of bioarchaeological research focused on historical health-related care. Evidence from human remains indicating survival after serious pathology suggests that individuals likely received care, a notion recognized only recently in bioarchaeology. Over the past five years, interest in caregiving as a research topic has surged, providing a dynamic framework for exploring experiences of disease and disability, both for the individual receiving care and the community providing it. When caregiving is identified in the archaeological record, bioarchaeologists can offer unique insights into past lifeways. The work features contributions from an international, diverse group of scholars, each bringing distinct perspectives to the analysis of historical health-related care. Nineteen chapters range from an introduction to the bioarchaeology of care to original case studies and new theoretical perspectives in this field. This book fosters a synergy that challenges traditional views on past caregiving behaviors and their implications for understanding the social environments in which they occurred.
