Overview

Gods, deities, symbolism, deposition, cosmology and intentionality are all features of the study of early ritual and cult. Archaeology has great difficulties in providing satisfactory interpretation or recognition of these elusive but important parts of ancient society, and methodologies are often poorly equipped to explore the evidence.This collection of papers explores a wide range of prehistoric and early historic archaeological contexts from Britain, Europe and beyond, where monuments, architectural structures, megaliths, art, caves, ritual activity and symbolic remains offer exciting glimpses into ancient belief systems and cult behaviour. Different theoretical and practical approaches are demonstrated, offering both new directions and considered conclusions to the many problems of studying the archaeology of cult and ritual. Central to the volume is an exploration of early Malta and its intriguing Temple Culture, set in a broad perspective by the discussion and theoretical approaches presented in different geographical and chronological contexts.

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9781842173039

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Reviews

.. offers a significant contribution to the project of thinking through archaeological ritual.. Cult in Context will be of interest to specialists in any of the areas listed above who want to keep abreast of current scholarship, and to those whose research addresses the themes of ritual and religion in archaeology.'--Robert J. Wallis Time and Mind, vol 3, No. 2 (01/01/0001)

[Reviewed with The Archaeology of Ritual (Cotsen Institute of Archaeology Press 2007)]: ...both of these books would be useful additions to the library of anyone interested in ritual, cult, and religion. The researcher will find an abundance of thought-provoking and provocative articles in the pair and substantial bibliographies in The Archaeology of Ritual . Many of the contributors compel us to look at issues of ritual, cult, and religion in new ways. Commendations are given to the authors for bringing these innovative and creative reflections to our attention.'--Emily Miller Bonney AJA Online Book Reviews (01/01/0001) A highly readable, stimulating and useful series of papers.'--Joshua Pollard Cambridge Archaeological Journal, 19.2, 2009 .. offers a significant contribution to the project of thinking through archaeological ritual.. Cult in Context will be of interest to specialists in any of the areas listed above who want to keep abreast of current scholarship, and to those whose research addresses the themes of ritual and religion in archaeology.'--Robert J. Wallis The Oxford Art Journal, Vol. 3, No. 2, July 2010 [Reviewed with The Archaeology of Ritual (Cotsen Institute of Archaeology Press 2007)]: ...both of these books would be useful additions to the library of anyone interested in ritual, cult, and religion. The researcher will find an abundance of thought-provoking and provocative articles in the pair and substantial bibliographies in The Archaeology of Ritual. Many of the contributors compel us to look at issues of ritual, cult, and religion in new ways. Commendations are given to the authors for bringing these innovative and creative reflections to our attention.'--Emily Miller Bonney AJA Online Book Reviews (07/01/2009)

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edited by David A Barrowclough and Caroline Malone

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