Art And Aesthetics In Primitive Societies

"Brings together the many insights of cultural anthropologists and art historians, treating art as both a visual and a cultural phenomenon"--

In this work, Blocker extends the philosophy of art to traditional African, Pre-Columbian Meso-American, and other works of "primitive art". Contents: Is Primitive Art Primitive? Is Primitive Art Art? Aesthetic Consciousness in Primitive Art; Critical Assessment of Primitive Art.

The anthropology of art is a fast-developing area of intellectual debate and academic study. This beautifully illustrated volume is a unique survey of the current state of anthropological thinking on art and aesthetics. The distinguished contributors draw on contemporary anthropological theory and on classic anthropological topics such as myth and ritual to deepen our understanding of particular aesthetic traditions in their socio-cultural and historical contexts. Many of the essays present new findings based on recent field research in Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, and Mexico; while others draw on classical anthropological accounts of the Trobriand Islanders of Melanesia and the Nuer of the Southern Sudan to form new arguments and conclusions. The introductory overview of the history of the anthropology of art, by Sir Raymond Firth, makes this volume especially useful for those interested in learning what anthropology has to contribute to our understanding of art and aesthetics in general.

Papers by R.M. Berndt and N.D. Munn separately annotated.

Based on a conference held at Burg Wartenstein from 27 June to 5 July 1967.

This anthology provides a single-volume overview of the essential theoretical debates in the anthropology of art. Drawing together significant work in the field from the second half of the twentieth century, it enables readers to appreciate the art of different cultures at different times. Advances a cross-cultural concept of art that moves beyond traditional distinctions between Western and non-Western art. Provides the basis for the appreciation of art of different cultures and times. Enhances readers’ appreciation of the aesthetics of art and of the important role it plays in human society.