gender and sexuality (Other Keyword)
1-3 (3 Records)
In this talk, I examine the contemporary commonsensical thinking about sex, gender, and sexuality that informs study of bioarchaeological remains. To this end, I focus on double burials whose decedents appear to be embracing—their discovery, investigation, and presentation in scholarly and popular settings. Images of and stories about these ancient embracers garner significant and often sensationalized attention in myriad, global spaces. Here I deliberate about their representation in...
Male-Female Sexuality in the "Fruit Bearing" Maya New Year Celebrations: Understanding the Past and Present Heritage through Participatory and Archaeological Studies (2016)
Among contemporary Tz’utujil Maya, the Mam are the “Year Bearers” of an ancient 260-day ritual calendar still used today in highland Guatemala, celebrated annually when the seasons change from dry to wet. This spring celebration corresponds with Semana Santa (Holy Week) and is when the maize is planted and cacao and other fruits are harvested. Preceding Easter, young male initiates travel on foot down from the highlands to the cacao groves that have existed in the coastal lowlands since ancient...
Memories of Women's Work: Investigating the 19th Century U.S. Army Laundresses' Quarters at Fort Davis, Texas (2016)
The 19th century U.S. army encampment at Fort Davis is commonly remembered for its association with the enlisted men and officers who served the U.S. government. However, the fort also employed and rationed a group of Hispanic and black female laundresses, who too often are made invisible in modern interpretations of the site. Using an assemblage of domestic materials collected during the summers of 2013 and 2015, this paper aims to highlight the work – including physical labor, cultural...