sacked:

Robbed of goods or valuables; looted.

salutation:

A polite expression of greeting or goodwill that shows respect and affection.

sanction(s)(ed):

Authoritative permission or approval that makes a course of action valid -- approved. Also, a penalty that acts to force obedience. .

sat in state:

Presented to the public, or to a body of people, wearing all the symbols and accoutrements of leadership, thus making a visual statement of power.

satiric:

Involving irony, sarcasm, or cutting wit used to attack or expose vice or stupidity.

savannah:

A flat grassland of tropical or subtropical regions.

savvy:

Well informed and perceptive.

scarification:

Literally, to make scars on the body, often in specific patterns to mark social status or membership.

scepter:

A staff held by a ruler as a symbol or authority.

secluded:

Set or keep apart from social contact with others.

secular:

Not specifically relating to religion; worldly.

selvage:

The edge of a fabric that is woven to keep it from fraying or unraveling.

serially:

Forming or arranging in a series.

serrated:

Having or forming a row of small, sharp, projections resembling the teeth of a saw.

signature form:

A specific form that is identifiable for a particular person or group.

slip:

Thinned potter's clay used for decorating or coating ceramics.

solidarity:

A union of interests, purposes, or sympathies among members of a group.

spartan:

Rigorously self-disciplined or self-restrained. Also, simple or austere.

spatial:

Relating to space and organization of things in a given space.

speculation:

Contemplation or consideration of a subject; meditation. Also, reasoning based on inconclusive evidence; guessing.

stately tread:

Walking in a dignified manner.

status quo:

The existing condition or state of affairs.

steatite:

A particular type of soft stone, also called soapstone.

stratified:

To arrange or separate into classes or social levels.

structuralist:

Referring to a school of thought and research that is concerned with the form and structure of a thing, culture or practice.

stylized:

Represented in a simplified manner that is easily recognized.

stylus:

A sharp, pointed instrument used for writing, marking, or engraving.

subdue:

To quiet or bring under control by physical force or persuasion.

subsequent:

Following in time or order.

subsistence farming:

Farming that produces just enough for the farmer and family, without a surplus to sell or trade.

sudannic:

Relating to the area of northern Africa that lies south of the Sahara and north of the equator.

sultanate:

The office, power, or territory ruled by a sultan.

sumptuous:

Lavish; size or splendor suggesting great expense.

sumptuary:

Relating to personal expenditures, especially to prevent extravagance and luxury.

sumptuary laws:

Regulating commercial or real estate activities.

superficially:

Comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; shallow. Trivial; insignificant.

superstructures:

A construction that is built up vertically or on top of another.

supplicants:

People humbly asking as by praying.

surplus:

Extra.

surreptitiously:

Secretly.

symbiosis or symbiotic:

A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence.

symmetrical:

Exhibiting equal balance and proportion on each side.

syncretic:

The merging of two or more cultures or differing systems of belief (as in philosophy or religion).

syncretic sensibilities:

An openness to the adoption of differing systems of belief or representation.

synthesis:

The combining of separate elements or ideas to form an understandable whole.

synthesize:

To combine ideas so as to form a new, complex product.

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