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

This collection explores the diverse ways in which people have long made themselves at home at sea and continue to live intimately with it, combining ethnographic and archaeological research with an explicit Ingoldian approach.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2022
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Contemporary public discourses surrounding the ocean often revolve around scientific and environmentalist narratives that depict and idealize marine spaces devoid of human presence. However, this collection delves into the diverse range of ways in which humans have established and maintained a profound connection with the sea throughout history. By combining ethnographic and archaeological research, much of which adopts an explicit Ingoldian framework, this collection explores a wide array of geographical regions and historical periods.

The ocean has long served as a habitat for humans, providing sustenance, transportation, and a source of inspiration and awe. From ancient mariners to modern-day seafarers, people have navigated its vast expanses, explored its depths, and forged intimate relationships with the marine environment. This collection showcases the rich tapestry of human experiences at sea, highlighting the ways in which people have adapted, innovated, and thrived in coastal and marine ecosystems.

One of the key themes explored in this collection is the concept of maritime communities. From coastal villages to distant island societies, people have formed complex networks and relationships based on their dependence on the ocean. These communities have developed their own customs, languages, and cultural practices, often shaped by their interactions with the sea and its resources. The collection also examines the impact of globalization on marine spaces, highlighting the ways in which economic, political, and cultural forces have shaped the development and management of coastal areas and marine resources.

Another important aspect of this collection is the exploration of the human-sea relationship from a holistic perspective. It recognizes that the ocean is not merely a physical environment but a complex and dynamic system that encompasses a wide range of biological, geological, and social processes. By studying the interactions between humans and the ocean, this collection seeks to understand the complex web of relationships that exist between different species, ecosystems, and human societies.

The collection also highlights the ethical and philosophical dimensions of the human-sea relationship. It examines the ways in which people have justified their exploitation of the ocean, as well as the challenges and dilemmas they face in managing and preserving marine resources. It raises important questions about the role of humans in the broader ecosystem and the responsibilities they hold towards the environment and future generations.

In conclusion, this collection offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the human-sea relationship. It provides a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives, drawing from a wide range of disciplines and geographical areas. By challenging traditional narratives and embracing a more holistic understanding of the ocean, this collection contributes to our understanding of the complex and dynamic relationship between humans and the sea.
The ocean has long been a source of fascination and wonder for humans, providing us with sustenance, transportation, and a vast playground for exploration. Throughout history, people have developed intricate relationships with the sea, adapting to its challenges and harnessing its resources for their benefit. In recent years, however, public discourses surrounding the ocean have been dominated by scientific and environmentalist narratives that idealize marine spaces devoid of human presence. This collection seeks to challenge these narratives by exploring the diverse ways in which people have made themselves at home at sea and continue to live intimately with it.

Ethnographic and archaeological research, much of which adopts an explicit Ingoldian approach, is brought together in this collection to shed light on the rich tapestry of human experiences at sea. From ancient mariners to modern-day seafarers, from coastal communities to distant island societies, people have developed unique customs, languages, and cultural practices that are deeply intertwined with their dependence on the ocean. The collection also examines the impact of globalization on marine spaces, highlighting the ways in which economic, political, and cultural forces have shaped the development and management of coastal areas and marine resources.

One of the key themes explored in this collection is the concept of maritime communities. From coastal villages to distant island societies, people have formed complex networks and relationships based on their dependence on the ocean. These communities have developed their own customs, languages, and cultural practices, often shaped by their interactions with the sea and its resources. The collection also examines the ethical and philosophical dimensions of the human-sea relationship, raising important questions about the role of humans in the broader ecosystem and the responsibilities they hold towards the environment and future generations.

In conclusion, this collection offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the human-sea relationship. It provides a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives, drawing from a wide range of disciplines and geographical areas. By challenging traditional narratives and embracing a more holistic understanding of the ocean, this collection contributes to our understanding of the complex and dynamic relationship between humans and the sea. As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities posed by our dependence on the ocean, it is essential that we approach this relationship with humility, respect, and a commitment to sustainable practices.

ISBN-13: 9781800734487