Shaft Tombs and Figures in West Mexican Society: A Reassessment

Fourteen insightful chapters present new research in four thematic sections: (1) Case studies: Archaeological and biological studies, (2) Broader perspectives: The contexts of figures and tombs across larger areas, (3) Collections-based research: Natural science or statistical perspectives, and (4) Collections-based research: Visual culture perspectives. In addition, the editors provide a comprehensive historical overview of research on the figures and tombs and a discussion of archaeology's twin evils, looting and faking. In the final chapter, the editors propose avenues for productive new research that integrates different disciplinary approaches and takes advantage of new technologies that help scientists explore the past in new ways.

This volume aims to expose current researchers in western Mexico and Mesoamerica at large to the productive lines of study currently taking place in the field, the laboratory, and the museum, and to increase awareness of the potential that exists for integrative and collaborative research.