Bioarchaeology of Southeast Asia

Abstract

"Bioarchaeology of Southeast Asia is the first book to examine directly the biology and lives of the past people of this region. Bringing together the most active researchers in late Pleistocene/Holocene Southeast Asian human osteology, the book deals with two major approaches to studying human skeletal remains. Using analysis of the physical appearance of the region's past peoples, the first section explores such issues as the first peopling of the region, the evidence for subsequent migratory patterns (particularly between Southeast and Northeast Asia) and counter arguments centering on in situ microevolutionary change. The second section reconstructs the health of these same people in the context of major economic and demographic changes over time, including those caused by the adoption or intensification of agriculture. Written for archaeologists, bioarchaeologists and biological anthropologists, it is a fascinating insight into the bioarchaeology of this important region."--BOOK JACKET.