Perspectivism in Archaeology: Insights into Indigenous Theories of Reality

Perspectivism in Archaeology explores recurring features in Amerindian mythology and cosmology, offering new ways of thinking in archaeology. Andrés Laguens contributes a new set of approaches that incorporate Indigenous theories of reality into an understanding of the South American archaeological record, demonstrating applications of its precepts through case studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Perspectivism in Archaeology delves into the recurring themes and cosmological beliefs of ancient Amerindian societies, examining the distinctions and similarities between humans, non-humans, and material culture. By offering a diverse range of possibilities for reconstructing ancient ontological approaches, it also presents fresh perspectives on archaeological thought, particularly in reconciling ancient ontological frameworks with contemporary theories. In this comprehensive volume, Andrés Laguens contributes a novel set of approaches that integrate Indigenous theories of reality into the interpretation of the South American archaeological record. Through detailed analysis and illustrative examples, he elucidates perspectivism as a step-by-step theory, providing clear explanations and practical applications. Laguens further demonstrates how perspectivism can be integrated into archaeological research and merged with ontological perspectives, showcasing its relevance in understanding ancient societies of the Andes and Patagonia.

The foundations of Amerindian perspectivism are explored, along with its theoretical and methodological potentialities. Case studies of ancient Andean and Patagonian societies are presented to illustrate the practical applications of perspectivism's precepts, shedding light on the rich tapestry of human history and cultural diversity in South America.

Weight: 518g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009393911