The Anthropology of Art: A Reader (Wiley Blackwell Anthologies in Social and Cultural Anthropology)($36.00Value)

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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. “ The Anthropology of Art is a superb compilation that enables both scholar and student to have in one volume the major studies and debates in this discipline. In the insightful introduction, the editors survey the history of the field and tackle the vexing problem of defining art in cross-cultural perspective.” Ivan Karp, Emory University “An excellent, near-perfect book that demonstrates the centrality of the anthropology of art in both anthropology and art history debates. The essential reader for anyone who wants a broad, stimulating introduction to the field.” Jeremy MacClancy, Oxford Brookes University “Addresses significant debates … .Seems[s] to provide an understanding of the often subtle but underlying discourse on contemporary African art.” H-Net Reviews "A unique and timely manual that serves to connect the student with the creative impulse of man." The Electric Review 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 various cultures at different times. An essay from the editors, offering an intellectual critique of the history of the discipline and exploring the contribution that the analysis of art can make to human societies, prefaces the volume; each part also begins with a useful editorial introduction to the readings. The readings themselves cover all the major debates in the field, including: definitions of art and aesthetics; the nature of representational processes; the nature of authenticity; the Primitivism controversy; the history of trade and commodification; and the role of contemporary artists. This anthology is the ideal resource for readers new to the anthropology of art. At the same time, it allows those with some knowledge of the discipline to see how art and aesthetics can contribute to their research. 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 various cultures at different times. An essay from the editors, offering an intellectual critique of the history of the discipline and exploring the contribution that the analysis of art can make to human societies, prefaces the volume; each part also begins with a useful editorial introduction to the readings. The readings themselves cover all the major debates in the field, including: definitions of art and aesthetics; the nature of representational processes; the nature of authenticity; the Primitivism controversy; the history of trade and commodification; and the role of contemporary artists. This anthology is the ideal resource for readers new to the anthropology of art. At the same time, it allows those with some knowledge of the discipline to see how art and aesthetics can contribute to their research. Howard Morphy is Director of the Centre for Cross-Cultural Research at the Australian National University and Honorary Curator of the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford. Morgan Perkins is Associate Professor of Anthropology and of Art, Director of the Weaver Museum of Anthropology, and Director of the Museum Studies Program, at SUNY, Potsdam Used Book in Good Condition