A unique work that brings together a number of specialist disciplines, such as archaeology, anthropology, disability studies and psychiatry to create a new perspective on social and physical exclusion from society. A range of evidence throws light on such things as the causes and consequences of social exclusion stigma, marginality and dangerousness.
It is an important work that breaks down traditional academic disciplinary boundaries and brings a much needed comparative approach to the subject.

A unique work that brings together a number of specialist disciplines, such as archaeology, anthropology, disability studies and psychiatry to create a new perspective on social and physical exclusion from society. A range of evidence throws light on such things as the causes and consequences of social exclusion stigma, marginality and dangerousness. It is an important text that breaks down traditional academic disciplinary boundaries and brings a much needed comparative approach to the subject.

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.

"Sacred Sites, Sacred Places" explores the concept of "sacred" and what it means and implies to people in differing cultures. The book focuses especially on the sacred nature of certain places. It 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. Archaeologists, legislators and those involved in heritage management sometimes encounter conflict with local populations over sacred sites. With the aid of over 70 illustrations the book examines the extreme importance of such sacred places in all cultures and the necessity of accommodating those intimate beliefs which are such a vital part of ongoing cultural identity. "Sacred Sites, Sacred Places" therefore aims to be of help to those who wish to be non-destructive in their conservation and excavation practices. This book attempts to describe the belief systems surrounding the existence of sacred sites, and at the same time bringing such beliefs and practices into relationship with the practical problems of everyday heritage management. The geographical coverage of the book is wide.

This extensive collection of papers from archaeologists, anthropologists and museum practitioners provides a survey of the current state of repatriation in terms of policy, practice and theory.
With excellent contributors, vital case studies and a wide geographical focus, this volume examines the following topics:
* perceptions of the dead
* collecting and reburial
* specific case histories
* museums and repatriation
* implications and effects of repatriation


eBook available with sample pages: 0203165772

"The Dead and Their Possessions" presents recent research by indigenous and non-indigenous people from museum, archaeological, anthropological, historical, educational, and community backgrounds. The authors examine a wide range of histories, experiences, developments, and consequences of the collecting and/or repatriation of human remains, with contributions from countries such as Uruguay and South Africa, where the issue is only just beginning, to the United States, where repatriation has been law for over a decade.
This book raises fundamental questions about the nature, ethics and practice of scientific enquiry, the ownership of the dead, the politics of the past and the needs of the future. The issues surrounding the collecting and repatriation of human remains are not only of vital importance to many indigenous groups, but also to the future of museum curatorship and the nature and practice of archaeology and anthropology today. This book will be invaluable not only to those involved inthe teaching and research in this field, but also to museum professionals who have received repatriation requests, and to those groups who are facing the challenges of the return of human remains and cultural objects to their own communities.