The series ‘Elements in the Archaeology of Food’, edited by Katheryn C. Twiss (Stony Brook University, NY) and Alexandra Livarda (ICAC/GIAP-CERCA), are taking off! Soon after the publication of the last book ‘The behavioural ecology of food’ on the 23rd of January, a new volume is freshly out of the typesetter!
‘Hunting and Eating symbols’ by Nerissa Russell promises a fascinating read on how food – large game in this instance – is entangled in acts of generosity, social positioning and more.
The volume is free to access and download until March 16t here!
Summary:
This Element approaches large game hunting through a social and symbolic lens. In most societies, the hunting and consumption of certain iconic species carries deep symbolism and is surrounded by ritualized practices. However, 
the form of these rituals and symbols varies substantially. The Element explores some recurring themes associated with hunting and eating game, such as gender, prestige, and generosity, and trace how these play out in the context of egalitarian versus hierarchical societies, foragers versus farmers, and in different parts of the world. Once people start herding domestic livestock, hunting takes on a new significance as an engagement with what is now defined as the Wild. Foragers do not make this distinction, but their interactions with prey animals are also heavily symbolic. As societies become more stratified, hunting large animals may be partly or entirely reserved for the elite, and hunting practices are elaborated to display and build power.
Check here for forthcoming and past volumes here
Coming soon:
- Food Taboos in Archaeology (Max Price)
Previously published:
- The Behavioural Ecology of Food (Elic M. Weitzel and Natalie D. Munro)
- How Urbanism Changes Foodways (Monica Smith)
- Food In Ancient China (Yitzchak Jaffe)
Elements in the Archaeology of Food showcase the vibrancy and intellectual diversity of twenty-first century archaeological research into food. Volumes reveal how food archaeology not only illuminates ancient political manoeuvres, social networks, risk management strategies, and luxurious pleasures, but also engages with modern heritage management, health, and environmental conservation strategies.
