Women in Antiquity ─ Theoretical Approaches to Gender and Archaeology

In a text derived from Part I of the Handbook of Gender in Archeology (2006) which she edited, Nelson (archeology, U. of Denver) introduces nine feminist perspectives on archeology. Interpreting gender in the past (some cultures recognized more than two) means focusing on interactions and change as well as women. US and UK female contributors' theoretical critiques, case studies, and suggestions for future research treat central themes in gender roles and identities: e.g., historical texts, household material culture, gendering of landscapes, and mortuary analysis (i.e., inferring a person's status from grave contents). Responses to male biases in the field include reinterpreting the meaning of objects and women's roles in ethnographic contexts. Annotation c2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Sarah Milledge Nelson is the John Evans Professor of Archaeology at the University of Denver. She edited theHandbook of Gender in Archaology, from which this text is adapted.