Anthropology Chapter 15 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the anthropological definition of art?

All ideas, techniques, and strategies that humans employ to express themselves creatively and to communicate their creativity and inspiration to others.

What term does anthropologist Kyra Gaunt use to describe the enculturation process of schoolyard play?

Kinetic orality

Match the statements to either the Universal Gaze or the Photographic Gaze.

Describes Universal Gaze = Embodies an idea with which anthropologists disagree. Describes Photographic Gaze = Studied by anthropologists Lutz and Collins in National Geographic photographs.

According to Christopher Steiner's fieldwork, which action would increase the value of elephants for Western tourists?

Make them scratched and stained, so they seem more 'primitive' and 'authentic.' Signup and view all the answers

Jessica Winegar's concept of 'The Humanity Game' refers to ways that art curators and funders' selections reinforce stereotypes.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of indigenous media?

The use of media by people who have experienced economic, political, and geographic disruption to build alternative strategies for communication, survival, and empowerment. Signup and view all the answers

What term do anthropologists use for the study of music in cultural context?

Ethnomusicology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a distinctive purpose of contemporary ethnographic film? (Select all that apply)

To portray a web of relationships between humans, environments, and globalization Signup and view all the answers

Are the following representations of indigenous art problematic? (Select all that apply)

Displayed without reference to original context. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes local art? (Select all that apply)

Local art provides a means of economic growth. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are traditional Western assumptions about art that anthropologists challenge? (Select all that apply)

The qualitative differences between Western art and 'primitive' art Signup and view all the answers

Identify which artworks would be more likely displayed in a museum in the United States based on Jessica Winegar's fieldwork findings. (Select all that apply)

A photograph of Sufi rituals Signup and view all the answers

What early forms of art are considered important?

They show elaborate social life and advanced cognitive development. Signup and view all the answers

What type of item would a West African trader likely sell at the highest price?

A carved figure that seems authentic despite being dirty Signup and view all the answers

Match the media terms to their definitions.

Social media = New forms of communication based on computer- and Internet-based technologies that enable social engagement. Global mediascape = Global cultural flows of media and visual images that enable linkages and communication across boundaries. Media worlds = An ethnographic and theoretical approach to media studies focusing on the tensions when visual worlds collide. Signup and view all the answers

The archaeological record shows a connection between humans and art that reaches back just 10,000 years.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which images are examples of fine art? (Select all that apply)

Spider set in a gallery Signup and view all the answers

What does the author mean by authenticity in art?

The perception of an object's antiquity, uniqueness, and originality within a local culture. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anthropological Definition of Art

Art encompasses all human ideas, techniques, and strategies used for creative expression and communication.

Kinetic Orality

Term coined by anthropologist Kyra Gaunt to describe the enculturation process in schoolyard play among Black girls.

Types of Gazes in Art Analysis

Universal Gaze: An innate perception of art influencing what is deemed art; implies disagreement among anthropologists.
Photographic Gaze: Neutral camera perspective that reflects the photographer's viewpoint; analyzed by Lutz and Collins in National Geographic.

Indigenous Representations

According to Christopher Steiner, distressing elephants enhances their perceived authenticity among Western buyers.

The Humanity Game

Jessica Winegar's concept illustrating how art selection by curators and funders can reinforce stereotypes and power dynamics.

Indigenous Media Definition

Usage of media by disrupted communities to establish alternative communication and empowerment strategies.

Ethnomusicology

The anthropological study focusing on music within cultural contexts.

Ethnographic Film Purposes

Contemporary: Showcases local communities within global settings and their relational contexts.
Both Types: Utilizes visual technologies for ethnographic research and analysis.

Museum Representation of Indigenous Art

Problematic Traits: Indicating “primitive” art and lack of context; colonial-era acquisitions.
Non-Problematic: Representation solely in fine art museums.

Impact of Local Art

Local art challenges universal art aesthetic, social structures, and can foster economic growth.

Western Art Assumptions

Anthropologists disrupt the divide between fine and popular art, question universal standards, and critically analyze cultural contexts.

Museum Display Preferences

More likely displays include culturally significant pieces; less likely selections are abstract works without context.

National Geographic's Worldview

Portrayed a homogenized image of cultures, suggesting similarities over differences and overlooking global struggles.

Indigenous Media Examples

Village-created films for cultural sharing represent genuine indigenous media, while outsider photography does not.

West African Art Trade Effects

Changes in Western views on art and beauty; economic improvements for traders, yet no shift in authenticity perceptions.

Gaunt's Kinetic Orality Study

Found that young Black girls' games are vital for identity formation and socialization.

Anthropological View on Art

Art interacts with daily life, challenges norms, and is shaped by social constructs rather than possessing intrinsic cultural value.

Middle Eastern Art Exhibitions Post-9/11

U.S. events often highlight Sufi music, female artists, and notable historical art, avoiding politically critical works.

Significance of Paleolithic Art

Early artworks indicate intricate social structures and advanced cognitive abilities of early humans.

Progresses from artisans to traders, street hawkers, tourists, and galleries.

Anthropologists' Approach to Art

Focus on art's social norms, historical contexts; do not prioritize individual artist genius or intrinsic art value.

Authenticity in Art

Refers to an object’s recognized age, uniqueness, and originality within native cultures.

Visual Anthropology

Studies the influence of visual imagery on culture in a globalized context.

Curated Middle Eastern Art

Sufi representations in a traditional context are more highlighted in U.S. exhibitions based on Winegar's findings.

West African Art Pricing

Authentic-looking, imperfect art pieces are highly valued by Western collectors.

Global Communication in Art

Defined by terms: social media (engagement through technology), global mediascape (cross-boundary communication), media worlds (visual conflicts and interactions).

Significance of Artistic Record

The archaeological timeline extends far beyond 10,000 years, signifying the extensive connection of humans and art.

Fine Art vs. Popular Art

Distinctions recognized; popular art intertwines with public spaces and general culture, while fine art is associated with exclusivity and elite status.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering Chapter 15 of Essentials of Cultural Anthropology. Explore key definitions and concepts, including the anthropological perspective on art and insights from anthropologist Kyra Gaunt regarding enculturation. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of cultural anthropology.