Foundations for an anthropology of the senses

Journal/Book: Int Soc Sci J. 1997; 49: 108 Cowley Rd, Oxford, Oxon, England OX4 1JF. Blackwell Publ Ltd. 401.

Abstract: The anthropology of the senses takes a cultural approach to sensory perception, exploring how different societies invest sensation with specific cultural values. A number of prevalent assumptions have impeded the development of sensory anthropology, including the notions that: the senses ase precultural in nature, that visual models such as those of the 'worldview' and 'culture as text' may adequately depict the sensory life of a society, and that all societies may be considered either visual or auditory in orientation depending on their dominant media of communication (i.e. Writing or speech). The anthropology of the senses argues, however. That it is essential for anthropologists to shed their own sensory biases and enter into the particular sensory model or cosmology of the society under study. This means, for example, that the cultural role of all the senses, not just the so-called higher senses of sight and hearing, must be considered. Many societies, indeed, will be found to possess elaborate symbolic systems of smell, taste and touch. The work of pioneering scholars in the field of anthropology of the senses indicates the potential breadth of applications for a sensory approach to culture and fruitful directions for future research.

Note: Article Classen C, 602 Cote St Antoine, Westmount, PQ H3Y 2K7, CANADA

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