This new edition of Women in Ancient America draws on recent advances in the archaeology of gender to reexamine the activities; roles; and relationships of women in the prehistoric Native societies of North; Central; and South America.Womenmdash;and womenrsquo;s workmdash;have been crucial to the survival and success of American peoples since ancient times. And as hunting and foraging societies developed farming techniques and eventually created permanent settlements; womenrsquo;s roles changed. Karen Olsen Bruhns and Karen E. Stothert consider the various economic adaptations that followed; as well as the ways in which women participated in food production and the specialized industries of their societies. They also look at womenrsquo;s access to power; both political and religious; paying particular attention to the place of priestesses and goddesses in the spiritual life of ancient peoples.The narrative that unfolds in Women in Ancient America is based on the most recent research; using evidence and examples from a wide range of cultures dating from the Paleoindian period to European invasion. This book; unlike others; treats many different types of societies; as the authors develop arguments sure to provoke thinking about the lives of women who inhabited the Americas in the distant past.
#725890 in eBooks 2014-09-30 2014-09-30File Name: B00MSYVS5M
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. A joyful ariaBy Ken KardashLike so many others; Ive always found the classic songs of the likes of Frank Sinatra; Dean Martin and Perry Como comforting. But for the author; they and their stories are not only comforting but also a touchstone to his heritage. Which is what makes this book so different and touching to read - its more than either a collective biography or memoir. Each short chapter covers the heyday of a particular singer; some well known; others less so; but always connected to the larger theme of the influence of Italian culture on American popular music. Rotellas sheer joy in the music and enthusiasm for his theme can be almost giddy at times; and I found myself laughing out loud upon seeing chapters on Elvis and Sammy Davis Jr. But somehow he makes it work.It was a discovery to see how the singers traced their musical heritage through one another to Italian opera; and how interconnected they were to the paths of their contemporaries; often coming from the same neighborhoods. The authors trips to these neighborhoods; and identification with the culture; add personal warmth to the telling. The sentiments can be bittersweet; though. The genesis of the book was an exploration of the music that gave courage to the author and his wife as they battled cancer. I was also shocked to read that Italian-American immigrants had been subjected to lynching and wartime civil internment camps. Rather than derailing the otherwise joyful tone of his story; this highlights the depth of the passion from which all the music and memories arise. Its a story told with amore.11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. A Must ReadBy Michael J. FioritoI just finished reading Amore. I have to say that its both an important and informative work - not to mention incredibly readable. While I was able to reminisce on the music my mother and father loved; I also learned a lot about the cultural conditions and influences that has continued to make Italian-Americans great singers; musicians; and instrument makers. More than a book of nostalgia; its a cultural study in the tradition of Greil Marcus and Peter Guralnick. Anyone interested in music is going to value this book.I hope that Amore continues to stimulate further writing on an important subject that has certainly not received enough attention.Russ Columbo has become a new favorite of mine!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. FascinatingBy HarryAs a long-time Tony Bennett fan; I was fascinated by the historical and critical analysis that this book; clearly a labor of love; provides. Amore will appeal; certainly; to Italian-Americans; for whom this is probably a celebration of cultural identity. For the rest of us; its a finely written cultural study that places Tony; Frankie; and so many others in context. Its a wonderful contribution to our understanding of American popular culture.
