Constructing an Archaeology of Disease

A Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51359/2448-2331.2024.266050

Keywords:

Bioarchaeology, Biological Anthropology, History of Health

Abstract

Here we discuss the concept of disease and health in the Archaeology of Disease, exploring its historical and cultural variations, and the very role of the discipline, revisiting Bioarchaeology, Biological Anthropology and Paleopathology and their evolution. Also, we explore the possibilities around the material culture related to diseases and their perceptions in different historical and cultural contexts. Our suggestion is that the research horizons should be broadened to include more social, cultural and material aspects, in addition to the biomedical ones, and, in addition, a reflection on the material culture involved in treatment practices and rituals related to health, recovery and diseases.

Author Biography

JOULDES MATOS DUARTE, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

Graduação em Comunicação Social/Jornalismo e Arqueologia, Mestrado eem Arqueologia e Doutorado (em andamento) em Arqueologia; Temas da Dissertação: Práticas mortuárias e Pesquisa para tese em genética antiga e migração humana; Outros temas de interesse: arqueologia e história das práticas religiosas, arqueologia funerária, bioarqueologia, patrimônio cultural, arqueologia da paisagem, história ambiental, história da saúde e das doenças.

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Published

2025-05-22

Issue

Section

SAB-NE 2026