Key Concepts of Cultural Anthropology
Chapter 16 The Arts

Key Terms

RepetitionFolklore
SymmetryPolyphony

Cultural Functions of Art:
  • The political-social-religious-economic institutions of human cultures have historically been the major or sole patrons of all art forms and artists within most societies.
  • Historically, these have been the exclusive sources of influence, support and inspiration for different definitions and expressions of art.
Symbolic Constructions of Art:
  • Historical and contemporary realties.
  • The spiritual and supernatural.
  • The meaning(s) of life, death and eternity.
  • Love and sexuality.
  • Aesthetic norms and ideals.
  • Ethical and moral ideals.
  • Social order and power.
Traditional Art Forms:
  • Chanting and song.
  • Rhythmic movement and dance.
  • Fine arts: drawing-carving-ceramics.
  • Rituals and ceremony.
  • Body art.
Contemporary-Convergent Art Forms:
  • Computer art.
  • Electronic media.
  • Commercial art, advertising and political persuasion.

Suggested Internet & InfoTrac College Edition Exercises

@ Visit website: http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/water.html and http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/folktexts.html.
@ Go to website: http://www.une.edu.au and do a search on "Rock Art."

 


College of Alameda Anthropology
Key Terms   Dept. of Anthrpology   PCCD  

Updated August 2006