Foundations for an anthropology of the senses
C Classen - International social science journal, 1997 - Wiley Online Library
C Classen
International social science journal, 1997•Wiley Online LibraryThe fundamental premiss underlying the concept of an 'anthropology of the senses' is that
sensory perception is a cultural, as well as a physical, act. That is, sight, hearing, touch, taste
and smell are not only means of apprehending physical phenomena, but also avenues for
the transmission of cultural values. Here we refer to such characteristic modes of sensory
communication as speech and writing, music and visual arts, and also to the range of values
and ideas which may be conveyed through olfactory, gustatory and tactile sensations.
sensory perception is a cultural, as well as a physical, act. That is, sight, hearing, touch, taste
and smell are not only means of apprehending physical phenomena, but also avenues for
the transmission of cultural values. Here we refer to such characteristic modes of sensory
communication as speech and writing, music and visual arts, and also to the range of values
and ideas which may be conveyed through olfactory, gustatory and tactile sensations.
The fundamental premiss underlying the concept of an ‘anthropology of the senses’ is that sensory perception is a cultural, as well as a physical, act. That is, sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell are not only means of apprehending physical phenomena, but also avenues for the transmission of cultural values. Here we refer to such characteristic modes of sensory communication as speech and writing, music and visual arts, and also to the range of values and ideas which may be conveyed through olfactory, gustatory and tactile sensations.