Reimagining Human-Animal Relations in the Circumpolar North

This book explores northern human-animal relations through archaeological research in North America and Eurasia, highlighting the complexity and meaningfulness of these interactions. It showcases a wide range of taxa and perspectives, from relational to political economic, and demonstrates the diversity of human and nonhuman animal lives in the circumpolar region.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the intricate tapestry of northern human-animal interactions, shedding light on the multifaceted and practical significance of archaeological studies in this realm. It provides a fresh perspective on the complex and profound relationships that have existed between humans and nonhuman animals throughout history. Through a comprehensive survey of recent archaeological research in northern North America and Eurasia, the book showcases the nuanced nature of human-animal relations, highlighting their economic, social, and emotional dimensions. It emphasizes that these interactions were not solely driven by exploitation but often encompassed intricate social structures and profound meanings, recognizing the intelligence and agency of nonhuman prey and domesticates.

The case studies presented in this volume span a vast geographical expanse, encompassing regions such as Alaska, Nunavut, Greenland, northern Fennoscandia, and western Siberia. They encompass a wide range of sites, artifacts, and scenarios, spanning from the Mesolithic to the twenty-first century. These studies explore the diverse taxa that played crucial roles in the lives of northern communities, including large marine mammals, polar bears, reindeer, marine fish, and birds. These taxa are approached from various relational, multispecies, semiotic, osteobiographical, and political economic perspectives, shedding light on their multifaceted roles and significance.

Animals themselves are represented through osteological remains, harvesting gear, and depictions of animal bodies in various forms, including zoomorphic figurines, petroglyphs, ornamentation, and intricate portrayals of human-animal harvesting encounters. These representations offer a glimpse into the material culture and symbolic world of northern societies, highlighting the deep connections between humans and nonhuman animals.

Rather than providing a definitive solution to the question of how archaeologists should approach northern human-animal relations, these chapters unveil the inherent complexity of northern worlds. They showcase the diverse tapestry of human and nonhuman animal lives, emphasizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of these entities. This book holds particular appeal to northern archaeologists and zooarchaeologists, as well as those interested in exploring the potential of a multispecies approach to the archaeological record. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike, contributing to our understanding of the rich and diverse history of human-animal interactions in the northern regions of the world.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138482784