Synopses & Reviews
Religion mattered to the
prehistoric Southwestern people, just as it matters to their descendents
today. Examining the role of religion can help to explain architecture,
pottery, agriculture, even commerce. But archaeologists have only
recently developed the theoretical and methodological tools with which
to study this topic.
Religion In the Prehispanic Southwest marks the
first book-length study of prehistoric religion in the region. Drawing
on a rich array of empirical approaches, the contributors show the
importance of understanding beliefs and ritual for a range of time
periods and southwestern societies. For professional and avocational
archaeologists, for religion scholars and students, Religion In the
Prehispanic Southwest represents an important contribution.
Review
"Advanced scholars will find
it a challenging and stimulating book....larger research libraries should
have a copy, as there are excellent arguments and data sets included.
Summing Up: Recommended." CHOICE
Review
"This volume is a welcome
addition to archaeological study in the American Southwest. Papers
explore a range of interesting topics including Katsina religion,
iconography, ballgames, ceremonial architecture, and religious conflict.
The editors should be commended for gathering such an up-to-date and
balanced mix of Puebloan and Nonpuebloan traditions. Their choices
reflect the growing and exciting innovations in the archaeology of
religion in the region." William Walker, New Mexico State University
Review
"Editors
VanPool, VanPool and Phillips challenge the chapter authors of Religion In the Prehispanic Southwest to speculate as to the meaning of the
artifactual data. The result is a richly insightful and authoritative
book, describing prehistoric Southwestern religions especially in their
interaction with the high cultures to the south. This book is a "must
read" for anyone interested in the native religions, past and present,
of the Southwest." Carrol L. Riley, Author of Becoming Aztlan:
Mesoamerican Influence In the Greater Southwest, AD 1200-1500
Synopsis
Religion mattered to the prehistoricSouthwestern people, just as it matters to their descendents today. Examining the role of religion can help to explain architecture, pottery, agriculture, even commerce. But archaeologists have only recently developed the theoretical and methodological tools with which to study this topic. Religion in the Prehispanic Southwest marks the first book-length study of prehistoric religion in the region. Drawing on a rich array of empirical approaches, the contributors show the importance of understanding beliefs and ritual for a range of time periods and southwestern societies. For professional and avocational archaeologists, for religion scholars and students, Religion in the Prehispanic Southwest represents an important contribution.
About the Author
Christine S. VanPool is
visiting assistant professor of anthropology at the University of
Missouri.
Todd VanPool is assistant professor of anthropology at the
University of Missouri.
David A. Phillips, Jr. is curator of archaeology
at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology and an adjunct associate
professor of anthropology at the University of New Mexico.