Archaeoastronomy And Ethnoastronomy Iau S278

Author : Clive L. N. Ruggles
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 430 pages
File Size : 53,5 Mb
Release : 2011-08-25
Category : Science
ISBN : 1107019788

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Archaeoastronomy and Ethnoastronomy (IAU S278) by Clive L. N. Ruggles Pdf

IAU Symposium 278, the ninth of the 'Oxford' conferences on cultural astronomy, presents a diverse range of disciplinary perspectives on a set of problems that continue to raise exciting and challenging new research questions and promote vigorous debate. It extends discussions about cultural astronomy beyond the community of 'Western' academics to focus on the ethnoastronomy and archaeoastronomy of South America, Central and North America, and elsewhere. Highlights include vigourous debates about Chankillo, a recently discovered solar observation site in coastal Peru dating to c. 300 BC. The first IAU Symposium devoted to this topic not only discusses new discoveries and interpretations but also considers broader issues of mutual interest across disciplines in cultural astronomy, such as field methodology and social theory. This volume is valuable not just to researchers working in these fields, but to anyone who takes an interest in the protection of astronomical heritage.

Author : Brad H. Koldehoff,Timothy R. Pauketat
Publisher : University Alabama Press
Page : 367 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2018-11-06
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9780817319960

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Archaeology and Ancient Religion in the American Midcontinent by Brad H. Koldehoff,Timothy R. Pauketat Pdf

Analyses of big datasets signal important directions for the archaeology of religion in the Archaic to Mississippian Native North America Across North America, huge data accumulations derived from decades of cultural resource management studies, combined with old museum collections, provide archaeologists with unparalleled opportunities to explore new questions about the lives of ancient native peoples. For many years the topics of technology, economy, and political organization have received the most research attention, while ritual, religion, and symbolic expression have largely been ignored. This was often the case because researchers considered such topics beyond reach of their methods and data. In Archaeology and Ancient Religion in the American Midcontinent, editors Brad H. Koldehoff and Timothy R. Pauketat and their contributors demonstrate that this notion is outdated through their analyses of a series of large datasets from the midcontinent, ranging from tiny charred seeds to the cosmic alignments of mounds, they consider new questions about the religious practices and lives of native peoples. At the core of this volume are case studies that explore religious practices from the Cahokia area and surrounding Illinois uplands. Additional chapters explore these topics using data collected from sites and landscapes scattered along the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys. This innovative work facilitates a greater appreciation for, and understanding of, ancient native religious practices, especially their seamless connections to everyday life and livelihood. The contributors do not advocate for a reduced emphasis on technology, economy, and political organization; rather, they recommend expanding the scope of such studies to include considerations of how religious practices shaped the locations of sites, the character of artifacts, and the content and arrangement of sites and features. They also highlight analytical approaches that are applicable to archaeological datasets from across the Americas and beyond.

Author : Jarita Holbrook,R. Thebe Medupe,Johnson O. Urama
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 260 pages
File Size : 46,7 Mb
Release : 2008-01-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781402066399

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African Cultural Astronomy by Jarita Holbrook,R. Thebe Medupe,Johnson O. Urama Pdf

This is the first scholarly collection of articles focused on the cultural astronomy of the African continent. It weaves together astronomy, anthropology, and Africa and it includes African myths and legends about the sky, alignments to celestial bodies found at archaeological sites and at places of worship, rock art with celestial imagery, and scientific thinking revealed in local astronomy traditions including ethnomathematics and the creation of calendars.

Author : Efrosyni Boutsikas,Stephen C. McCluskey,John Steele
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 319 pages
File Size : 48,9 Mb
Release : 2021-04-08
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783030646066

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Advancing Cultural Astronomy by Efrosyni Boutsikas,Stephen C. McCluskey,John Steele Pdf

This collection of essays on cultural astronomy celebrates the life and work of Clive Ruggles, Emeritus Professor of Archaeoastronomy at Leicester University. Taking their lead from Ruggles’ work, the papers present new research focused on three core themes in cultural astronomy: methodology, case studies, and heritage. Through this framework, they show how the study of cultural astronomy has evolved over time and share new ideas to continue advancing the field. Ruggles’ work in these areas has had a profound impact on the way that scholars approach evidence of the role of sky in both ancient and modern cultures. While the papers span many time periods and regions, they are closely connected by these three major themes, presenting methodological investigations of how we can approach archaeological, textual, and ethnographic evidence; describing detailed archaeoastronomical case studies; or stressing the importance of global heritage management. This work will appeal to researchers and scholars interested in the history and development of cultural astronomy.

Author : Anthony F. Aveni,Gary Urton
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 388 pages
File Size : 47,7 Mb
Release : 1982
Category : Science
ISBN : UOM:39015035716649

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Ethnoastronomy and Archaeoastronomy in the American Tropics by Anthony F. Aveni,Gary Urton Pdf

Author : David W. Pankenier
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 530 pages
File Size : 49,8 Mb
Release : 2013-10-10
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781107292246

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Astrology and Cosmology in Early China by David W. Pankenier Pdf

The ancient Chinese were profoundly influenced by the Sun, Moon and stars, making persistent efforts to mirror astral phenomena in shaping their civilization. In this pioneering text, David W. Pankenier introduces readers to a seriously understudied field, illustrating how astronomy shaped the culture of China from the very beginning and how it influenced areas as disparate as art, architecture, calendrical science, myth, technology, and political and military decision-making. As elsewhere in the ancient world, there was no positive distinction between astronomy and astrology in ancient China, and so astrology, or more precisely, astral omenology, is a principal focus of the book. Drawing on a broad range of sources, including archaeological discoveries, classical texts, inscriptions and paleography, this thought-provoking book documents the role of astronomical phenomena in the development of the 'Celestial Empire' from the late Neolithic through the late imperial period.

Author : Christiaan Sterken,John Hearnshaw,David Valls-Gabaud
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 500 pages
File Size : 43,9 Mb
Release : 2019-03-31
Category : Science
ISBN : 1108471595

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Under One Sky: The IAU Centenary Symposium (IAU S349) by Christiaan Sterken,John Hearnshaw,David Valls-Gabaud Pdf

The IAU Centenary Symposium was held at its General Assembly in Vienna in 2018. It starts with plenary lectures, by Malcolm Longair on 100 years of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology, and by Catherine Cesarsky, who reflects on a century of IAU history. There follows reminiscences from past IAU presidents and general secretaries and presentations on various aspects of IAU history, including some of the famous astronomers who served the Union. The volume then examines the relations between the IAU and different geographical regions, including the issues relating to the Central Powers after World War I, and the "China crisis", when China withdrew from the Union in 1960 and was absent for two decades. The IAU's internal structures and organization are reviewed, along with trends in astronomical publishing and astronomical education. IAU S349 finishes with a vision of the IAU's future from its current president, Ewine van Dishoeck.

Author : Clive L. N. Ruggles
Publisher : Ocarina Books
Page : 298 pages
File Size : 44,6 Mb
Release : 2012
Category : History
ISBN : UGA:32108053358712

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Heritage Sites of Astronomy and Archaeoastronomy in the Context of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention by Clive L. N. Ruggles Pdf

This Thematic Study is a joint venture between ICOMOS, the advisory body to UNESCO on cultural sites, and the International Astronomical Union. It presents an overall vision on astronomical heritage, attempts to identify what constitutes "outstanding universal significance to humankind" in relation to astronomy, and identifies broad issues that could arise in the assessment of cultural properties relating to astronomy. This is the first Thematic Study in any field of science heritage. It is elaborated using examples of properties from around the world, including some already on the World Heritage List or national Tentative Lists. The subject matter ranges from early prehistory to modern astrophysics and space heritage, and also prominently includes dark sky issues and modern observatory sites. An e-version of the Thematic Study was published in June 2010 in time to be presented to the 2010 meeting of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, where it was duly approved. It has been circulated officially by the WHC to all of UNESCO's National Commissions. This full-colour paperback edition with some updates, and reformatted to new ICOMOS standards, was published in 2011 and is now offered for public sale.

Author : Clive L. N. Ruggles,Nicholas J. Saunders
Publisher : Ocarina Books
Page : 376 pages
File Size : 43,7 Mb
Release : 1993
Category : Archaeoastronomy
ISBN : UOM:39015032761374

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Astronomies and Cultures by Clive L. N. Ruggles,Nicholas J. Saunders Pdf

Ten thematic articles illustrating the broad scope, diversity and cultural significance of contemporary studies in archaeoastronomy. Contents: The Study of Cultural Astronomy ( Clive Ruggles and Nicholas Saunders ); The Yao Dian and the Origins of Astronomy in China ( Chen Cheng-Yih and Xi Zezong ); The Riddle of Red Sirius: An Anthropological Perspective ( Roger Ceragioli ); Astronomies and Rituals at the Dawn of the Middle Ages ( Stephen McCluskey ); Folk Astronomy in the Service of Religion: The Case of Islam ( David King ); Cosmos and Kings at Vijayanagara ( John McKim Malville and John Fritz ); Medicine Wheel Astronomy ( David Vogt ); Venus-Regulated Warfare and Ritual Sacrifice in Mesoamerica ( John Carlson ); Astronomical Knowledge, Calendrics, and Sacred Geography in Ancient Mesoamerica ( Johanna Broda ); The Pleiades in Comparative Perspective: The Waiwai Shirkoimo and the Shipibo Huishmabo ( Peter G. Roe ).

Author : Giulio Magli
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 271 pages
File Size : 54,6 Mb
Release : 2020-09-28
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783030451479

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Archaeoastronomy by Giulio Magli Pdf

This is a second edition of a textbook that provides the first comprehensive, easy-to-read, and up-to-date account of the fascinating discipline of archaeoastronomy, in which the relationship between ancient constructions and the sky is studied in order to gain a better understanding of the ideas of the architects of the past and of their religious and symbolic worlds. The book is divided into three sections, the first of which explores the past relations between astronomy and people, power, the afterworld, architecture, and landscape. The second part then discusses in detail the fundamentals of archaeoastronomy, including the celestial coordinates; the apparent motion of the sun, moon, stars, and planets; observation of celestial bodies at the horizon; the use of astronomical software in archaeoastronomy; and current methods for making and analyzing measurements. The final section reviews what archaeoastronomy can now tell us about the nature and purpose of such sites and structures as Stonehenge, the Pyramids of Giza, Chichen Itza, the Angkor Temples, the Campus Martius, and the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento. In addition, it provides a set of exercises that can be performed using non-commercial free software, e.g., Google Earth and Stellarium, and that will equip readers to conduct their own research. This new edition features a completely new chapter on archaeoastronomy in Asia and an “augmented reality” framework, which on the one hand enhances the didactic value of the book using direct links to the relevant sections of the author’s MOOC (online) lessons and, on the other, allows readers to directly experience – albeit virtually –many of the spectacular archaeological sites described in the book. This is an ideal introduction to what has become a wide-ranging multidisciplinary science.

Author : Jürgen Seeher
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 205 pages
File Size : 41,6 Mb
Release : 2011
Category : History
ISBN : 6055607549

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Gods Carved in Stone by Jürgen Seeher Pdf

The rock sanctuary of Yazilikaya is one of the most important ritual sites of the Late Bronze Age in Turkey. Its walls are decorated with unique rock-cut reliefs: over ninety male and female deities, animals and mythical beings - more than half of all known Hittite reliefs. The sanctuary once lay on the outskirts of Hattusa, capital of the Hittite Empire, in central Anatolia. The German Archaeological Institute has been excavating here since 1931 and the rock sanctuary of Yazilikaya has been thoroughly investigated in the process. While scientific literature is plentiful, what is lacking is a "complete Yazilikaya": a comprehensively illustrated publication in English intended both for experts and the broader reading public. This book is intended to fill that gap. It offers the reader a virtual tour of the sanctuary and can also serve as a guidebook for visitors to the site. At the same time it summarizes the results of earlier excavations as well as the latest research. Lavishly illustrated with spectacular new photographs of the rock massif, it contains a detailed description of the rock chambers with the reliefs and the accompanying temple buildings. This section is followed by chapters reconstructing the history of the sanctuary and discussing its still mysterious function. Other chapters focus on the Hittites and their capital city, the discovery of the site and its research history and much more besides - with the aim of bringing the ancient monument vividly to life before the reader's eyes.

Author : Liz Henty,Daniel Brown
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 217 pages
File Size : 55,9 Mb
Release : 2019-08-19
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781351398787

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Visualising Skyscapes by Liz Henty,Daniel Brown Pdf

Above the land and its horizon lies the celestial sphere, that great dome of the sky which governs light and darkness, critical to life itself, yet its influence is often neglected in the archaeological narrative. Visualising Skyscapes captures a growing interest in the emerging field of skyscape archaeology. This powerful and innovative book returns the sky to its rightful place as a central consideration in archaeological thought and can be regarded as a handbook for further research. Bookended by a foreword by archaeologist Gabriel Cooney and an afterword by astronomer Andrew Newsam, its contents have a wide-reaching relevance for the fields of archaeology, anthropology, ethnography, archaeoastronomy, astronomy, heritage and cultural studies. The volume balances six chapters on theory and methodology which elaborate on the history and practice of the field with six other chapters focused on case studies from around the world. Visualising Skyscapes captures the growing interest in the multidisciplinary study of skyscapes and will be of interest to academics, students and the general public, as well as having international appeal. It is topical, timely and relevant to current debates and will hopefully stimulate further interest in this exciting and relatively new area of investigation. The contributions showcase the work of distinguished academics in the field and the chapters are all enhanced by numerous photographs and images.

Author : Fredrik Barth
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 116 pages
File Size : 53,6 Mb
Release : 1987
Category : History
ISBN : 0521387353

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Cosmologies in the Making by Fredrik Barth Pdf

All culture, particularly that of non-literate traditions, is constantly being recreated, and in the process also undergoes changes. In this book, Fredrik Barth examines the changes that have taken place in the secret cosmological lore transmitted in male initiation ceremonies among the Mountain Ok of Inner New Guinea, and offers a new way of explaining how cultural change occurs. Professor Barth focuses in particular on accounting for the local variations in cosmological traditions that exist among the Ok people, who otherwise share similar material and ecological conditions, and similar languages. Rejecting existing anthropological theory as inadequate for explaining this, Professor Barth constructs a new model of the mechanisms of change, based on his close empirical observation of the processes of cultural transmission. This model emphasises the role of individual creativity in cultural reproduction and change, and maintains that cosmologies can be adequately understood only if they are regarded as knowledge in the process of communication, embedded in social organization, rather than as fixed bodies of belief. From the model he derives various theoretically grounded hypotheses regarding the probable courses of change that would be generated by such mechanisms. He then goes on to show that these hypotheses fit the actual patterns of variation that are found among the Ok.

Author : Jeffrey Quilter,John W. Hoopes
Publisher : Dumbarton Oaks
Page : 448 pages
File Size : 49,8 Mb
Release : 2003
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
ISBN : 0884022943

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Gold and Power in Ancient Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia by Jeffrey Quilter,John W. Hoopes Pdf

The lands between Mesoamerica and the Central Andes are famed for the rich diversity of ancient cultures that inhabited them. Throughout this vast region, from about AD 700 until the sixteenth-century Spanish invasion, a rich and varied tradition of goldworking was practiced. The amount of gold produced and worn by native inhabitants was so great that Columbus dubbed the last New World shores he sailed as Costa Rica—the "Rich Coast." Despite the long-recognized importance of the region in its contribution to Pre-Columbian culture, very few books are readily available, especially in English, on these lands of gold. Gold and Power in Ancient Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia now fills that gap with eleven articles by leading scholars in the field. Issues of culture change, the nature of chiefdom societies, long-distance trade and transport, ideologies of value, and the technologies of goldworking are covered in these essays as are the role of metals as expressions and materializations of spiritual, political, and economic power. These topics are accompanied by new information on the role of stone statuary and lapidary work, craft and trade specialization, and many more topics, including a reevaluation of the concept of the "Intermediate Area." Collectively, the volume provides a new perspective on the prehistory of these lands and includes articles by Latin American scholars whose writings have rarely been published in English.

Author : Michael A. Hoskin
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 280 pages
File Size : 48,7 Mb
Release : 2001
Category : History
ISBN : UOM:39015055098134

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Tombs, Temples and Their Orientations by Michael A. Hoskin Pdf

This study of archaeoastronomy looks at more than 2,500 communal tombs and sanctuaries from around the Mediterranean. After a brief discussion of Hoskin's aims and the methodology for his fieldwork, individual chapters focus on evidence from particular regions: Malta, Gozo, the Balearics, Iberia, southern France, Corsica and Sardinia, Sicily and Pantelleria, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. The author concludes that in most of these regions the monuments faced sunrise, or more generally the sun when it was rising or climbing in the sky. Along the Mediterranean coast of France, however, there is a reverse sunset custom; in North Africa tombs faced downhill and in a Minoan cemetery on Crete all the tombs faced moonrise and look towards a mountain on whose peak was a sanctuary probably sacred to a lunar god. 264p, b/w figs and photos throughout, tables (Ocarina Books 2001) ` adorned with dozens of beautiful photographs, technical diagrams, and an extraordinary Corpus Mensurarum.....a living masterpiece in the field of archaeoastronomy ' - Juan Antonio Belmonte, Instituto de Astroficia de Canarias `