Embodied Lives

Figuring Ancient Maya and Egyptian Experience

By: Rosemary A. Joyce, Lynn M. Meskell

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Paperback | 14 August 2003 | Edition Number 1

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208 Pages

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23.39 x 15.6 x 1.12

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Ancient Maya and Egyptian cultures present evidence of similar concerns with body and self: monumental art depicts complex costume and standards of beauty, and ornaments, cosmetics, and items of dress used by the living are recovered in tombs in which the bodies of the dead were arrayed. Despite the centrality of such practices, these two civilizations had very different ways of treating, understanding and experiencing the body. Taking bodily materiality as a crucial starting point to the understanding and formation of self in any society, Lynn Meskell and Rosemary Joyce offer a new approach to both civilizations centred on understanding embodiment. They examine a wide range of archaeological data, using it to explore issues such as the sexual body, mind/body dualism, body modification, and magical practices. Drawing on insights from feminist theory, art history, phenomenology, anthropology and psychoanalysis, the book sheds new light on Ancient Egyptian and Maya cultures. Theorising the body across two cultures, this book shows how a comparative project can open up new lines of inquiry by raising questions about accepted assumptions. Drawing attention to the long-term histories and specificities of embodiment, it makes the case for the importance of ancient materials for contemporary theorisation of the body.

Industry Reviews

'Meskell and Joyce have created a study which truly crosses cultures, millenia and disciplines ... Their study truly gives the reader a feel for ancient personhood in these societies, and constantly causes one to question foundational assumptions. In this respect [they] have masterfully accomplished their aims.' - www.PalArch.nl

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