Sacred Sites, Places

Explores the concept of 'sacred' and what it means and implies to people in differing cultures. It looks at why people regard some parts of the land as special and why this ascription remains constant in some cultures and changes in others. Sacred Sites, Sacred Places explores the concept of 'sacred' and what it means to people in differing cultures. Archaeologists, legislators and those involved in heritage management sometimes come into conflict with local populations over sites which these communities consider to be sacred. This volume is unique in attempting to describe the belief systems surrounding such sites, and in relating these beliefs and practices to the practical problems of heritage management. The book demonstrates the need to accommodate those beliefs which are a vital part of ongoing cultural identity.The geographical coverage of this collection is exceptionally wide and its range of contributors, including indigenous peoples, archaeologists, anthropologists and heritage professionals, is unrivalled in any other publication.