Many animals build shelters, but only humans build homes. No other species creates such a variety of dwellings. Drawing examples from across the archaeological record and around the world, archaeologist Jerry D. Moore recounts the cultural development of the uniquely human imperative to maintain domestic dwellings. He shows how our houses allow us to physically adapt to the environment and conceptually order the cosmos, and explains how we fabricate dwellings and, in the process, construct our lives. "The Prehistory of Home" points out how houses function as symbols of equality or proclaim the social divides between people, and how they shield us not only from the elements, but increasingly from inchoate fear.

About the Author
Jerry D. Moore is Professor of Anthropology at California State University, Dominguez Hills. He is the author of Architecture and Power in the Ancient Andes, Cultural Landscapes in the Prehispanic Andes, and Visions of Culture: An Introduction to Anthropological Theories and Theorists.

Reviews
"A captivating, thought-provoking treatise." Journal Middle Atlantic Archaeology "Crafts a study of the home that is equally scholarly and entertaining... The author employs wit and plenty of research to offer up a wonderfully thought-provoking exploration of how our most intimate edifices are intertwined with human nature." Publishers Weekly: Nonfiction (2)



Book Information
ISBN 9780520272217
Author Jerry D. Moore
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint University of California Press
Publisher University of California Press
Weight(grams) 544g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 25mm