Human Sacrifice and Value: Revisiting the Limits of Sacred Violence from an Anthropological and Archaeological Perspective

The Norwegian Research Council's funding of the Human Sacrifice and Value project (FRIPROHUMSAM 275947) has made possible the present volume, which explores the concepts of human sacrifice in relative cultural and temporal terms. The volume analyzes a spectrum of sacrificial logics and actions, challenging scholars to rethink the scholarship of sacrifice by considering the hidden, subliminal, and paradoxical values and motivations that underlie sacrificial acts. It will appeal to scholars of sociology, anthropology, archaeology, history, religious studies, political science, and economics who are interested in critically rethinking questions of sacred and sanctified human violence and the values that make it what it is.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The present volume stands as a testament to the remarkable support provided by the Norwegian Research Council through its generous funding of the Human Sacrifice and Value project (FRIPROHUMSAM 275947). This comprehensive exploration delves into the intricate concepts of human sacrifice, shedding light on its multifaceted value, which spans across diverse cultural and temporal contexts. Whether expressed through actual killings, the contemplation of ritualized, sanctioned, or sanctified violence, or the transformation and sublimation of undertakings, this volume seeks to unravel the complex tapestry of sacrificial practices. By drawing upon a diverse range of interdisciplinary perspectives, it meticulously analyzes a spectrum of sacrificial logics and actions, challenging us to reevaluate our understanding of sacrifice by exploring the often concealed, subliminal, and paradoxical values and motivations that underpin these acts.

The chapters within this volume address crucial questions in the study of sacrifice and ritualized violence, such as how we can employ innovative approaches to analyze the existing evidence or revise long-standing theories regarding the definition and potential manifestations of human sacrifice. Moreover, they delve into the reasons behind the frequent occurrence and ease of human sacrifice across different cultures and historical contexts, making this volume an invaluable resource for scholars engaged in critically rethinking questions of sacred and sanctified human violence, as well as the values that shape it.

This volume appeals to a wide audience, including scholars from the fields of sociology, anthropology, archaeology, history, religious studies, political science, and economics. It resonates with those who are passionate about exploring the complexities of sacred and sanctified human violence, and the profound values that underpin it. By offering a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, this volume contributes to the ongoing dialogue and scholarship in these fields, fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience and the complexities of our shared history.

Weight: 940g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032134864