At Home on the Waves: Human Habitation of the Sea from the Mesolithic to Today

The collection explores the variety of ways in which people have long made themselves at home at sea, bringing together ethnographic and archaeological research with an Ingoldian approach.

Format: Hardback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2019
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Contemporary public discourses about the ocean often portray it as a pristine and untouched environment, devoid of human presence. However, this collection challenges these narratives by exploring the diverse ways in which people have long made themselves at home at sea and continue to live intimately with it. Through a combination of ethnographic and archaeological research, the collection covers a wide range of geographical areas and historical periods, with an explicit Ingoldian approach.

One of the key themes of the collection is the relationship between humans and the ocean. The authors argue that the ocean has been a significant part of human history and culture, providing food, transportation, and a source of inspiration for art, literature, and religion. However, the ocean has also been a site of conflict, exploitation, and environmental degradation. The authors explore the ways in which these conflicts have shaped the relationship between humans and the ocean and the efforts that have been made to address them.

One of the most significant contributions of the collection is its focus on the diversity of human experiences at sea. The authors highlight the ways in which different cultures have adapted to the ocean, including the use of boats, fishing, and diving. They also explore the ways in which the ocean has influenced the development of human societies, including the emergence of maritime cultures and the development of trade routes.

Another important theme of the collection is the impact of climate change on the ocean. The authors argue that climate change is having a significant impact on the ocean, including rising sea levels, changes in ocean currents, and the loss of marine biodiversity. They explore the ways in which these impacts are affecting the lives of people who live at sea and the efforts that are being made to address them.

The collection also includes a number of case studies that illustrate the diverse ways in which people have made themselves at home at sea. For example, the authors discuss the history of whaling in the Arctic, the development of fishing communities in the Pacific, and the impact of tourism on the ocean. They also explore the ways in which people have used the ocean to express their cultural identity and to connect with others.

One of the challenges that the authors face in exploring the relationship between humans and the ocean is the fact that the ocean is a vast and complex environment. The authors argue that it is important to approach the ocean with a sense of humility and respect, and to recognize the ways in which it is changing. They also argue that it is important to work towards a more sustainable future for the ocean, by reducing our impact on the environment and by promoting the use of sustainable practices.

In conclusion, this collection explores the diverse ways in which people have long made themselves at home at sea and continue to live intimately with it. Through a combination of ethnographic and archaeological research, the collection covers a wide range of geographical areas and historical periods, with an explicit Ingoldian approach. The authors argue that the ocean has been a significant part of human history and culture, providing food, transportation, and a source of inspiration for art, literature, and religion, but has also been a site of conflict, exploitation, and environmental degradation. The collection also includes a number of case studies that illustrate the diverse ways in which people have made themselves at home at sea and the challenges that they face in addressing the impact of climate change on the ocean. By approaching the ocean with a sense of humility and respect, and by working towards a more sustainable future, we can help to ensure that the ocean remains a valuable and important part of our world for generations to come.

Weight: 660g
Dimension: 161 x 237 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789201420