Introduction to Volume 2

The introduction to the second of two volumes on Southwest Bioarchaeology reiterates the intent of the volumes to compile and interpret data collected over decades in the grey literature as a resource for learning about health and lifeways of ancient communities. The intended audiences for these volumes include archaeologists, bioarchaeologists, and Indigenous readers. The introduction summarizes the main points from 11 chapters, including 6 chapters focused on culture areas: Sinagua, Kayenta, Mimbres, Hohokam and Salado, Trincheras, and Casas Grandes. Four chapters discuss the bioarchaeology of cancer, biodistance, stable isotope analysis, and archaeoparasitology. The concluding chapter discusses the major issues, themes, and challenges in Southwest bioarchaeology.