The Oxford Handbook of the Archaeology and Anthropology of Body Modification [Hardcover]

The Oxford Handbook of the Archaeology and Anthropology of Body Modificationexplores the ways in which cultures worldwide have used body modifications to express cultural, social, and individual meanings. Including cranial shaping, teeth filing, tattooing, and body piercing, theHandbookexamines the diverse practices that have transformed the human body across history. It delves into the rituals, symbolism, and technological advancements behind these modifications, offering a comprehensive look at how humans have used their bodies as canvases to reflect their identities and values. TheHandbookis an insightful exploration of humanity's enduring desire for self-expression and cultural connection.Body modification practices express identity, conform to social norms, and convey cultural values that express cultural, social, and individual meanings.The Oxford Handbook of the Archaeology and Anthropology of Body Modificationprovides a comprehensive understanding of these practices, addressing evolving cultures and identities, while also revealing the universal human desire to transcend the ordinary and connect with something greater. By exploring practices such as cranial shaping, teeth filing, tattooing, body piercing, and other modifications, this comprehensive volume sheds light on the evolution and diversification of body modification across time and space.TheHandbook's opening chapters synthesize the origins of body modification, examining the chronological emergence of clothing, body painting, and adornments across continents to introduce the deep connections between body modifications and social identity, focusing on rituals, gender, and symbolism in historical and archaeological contexts. Later chapters delve into cranial and dental modifications, tattooing, and body piercing, examining the cultural significance of these practices and the methods used to perform them. The final sections of theHandbookaddress othl“$