Synopses & Reviews
Sacred Sites, Sacred Places explores the concept of 'sacred' and what it means to people in differing cultures. Archaeologists, legislators and those involved in heritage management sometimes come into conflict with local populations over sites which these communities consider to be sacred. This volume is unique in attempting to describe the belief systems surrounding such sites, and in relating these beliefs and practices to the practical problems of heritage management. The book demonstrates the need to accommodate those beliefs which are a vital part of ongoing cultural identity.
The geographical coverage of this collection is exceptionally wide and its range of contributors, including indigenous peoples, archaeologists, anthropologists and heritage professionals, is unrivalled in any other publication.
Synopsis
Sacred Sites, Sacred Places explores the concept of "sacred" and what it means to people in different cultures. The book looks at why people regard some parts of the land as special and why this ascription remains constant in some cultures and changes in others.
The contributors examine the extreme importance of sacred places in all cultures and the necessity of accommodating those intimate beliefs which remain a vital part of ongoing cultural identity. Unique in attempting to describe the belief systems surrounding the existence of sacred sites, this book also brings such beliefs and practices into relationship with the practical problems of everyday heritage management.