Archaeological and Ethnographic Evidence of Domination in Indigenous Latin America

New data and interpretations that shedlight on the nature of power relations in prehistoric and contemporary Indigenoussocieties

Thisvolume explores the nature of power relations and social control in Indigenoussocieties of Latin America. Its chapters focus on instances of domination indifferent contexts as reflected in archaeological, osteological, andethnohistorical records, beginning with prehistoric case studies to examples fromthe ethnographic present.

Rangingfrom the development of nautical and lacustrine warfare technology inprecontact Mesoamerica to the psychological functions of domestic violenceamong contemporary Amazonian peoples, these investigations shed light on how leadersoften use violence or the threat of violence to advance their influence. Theessays show that while social control can be overt, it may also be veiled inthe form of monumental architecture, fortresses or pukara, or ritualsthat signal to friends and foes alike the power of those in control.Contributors challenge many widely accepted conceptions of violence, warfare,and domination by presenting new evidence, and they also offer novelinterpretations of power relations in the domestic, local, and regional spheres.

Contributors: Stephen Beckerman | RichardJ. Chacon | Yamilette Chacon | Vincent Chamussy | Peter Eeckhout | PamelaErickson | Mariana Favila Vázquez | Romuald Housse | Nam C. Kim | KrzysztofMakowski | Dennis E. Ogburn | Lawrence Stewart Owens | James Yost