Indigenous Audibilities: Music, Heritage, and Collections in the Americas

In the mid-20th century, transnational networks initiated cultural projects to collect Indigenous music and folklore in the Americas. Indigenous Audibilities explores the social relationships that shaped these collections through four interconnected case studies in the U.S., Mexico, Nicaragua, and Chile. It highlights the marginalized voices in archives and challenges the transparency of archives as historical sources. The book offers a social-historical approach to listening, reading, and thinking beyond the referentiality of archived texts, uncovering neglected genealogies of cultural music research in the Americas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 18 December 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In the mid-twentieth century, transnational networks ignited a flurry of cultural initiatives aimed at gathering Indigenous music and folklore across the Americas. Indigenous Audibilities delves into the intricate social dynamics that shaped these collections through four interconnected case studies that connect the United States, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Chile. These case studies unearth the traces of marginalized voices in archives, with a particular focus on women and Indigenous individuals. Despite the prevailing agendas of national and international institutions, the diverse actors and multifaceted influences often resulted in unforeseen outcomes.

Author Amanda Minks employs captivating storytelling and collection, voice, and recording theories to challenge the transparency of archives as historical sources. The book offers a social-historical approach to listening, reading, and thinking that extends beyond the referentiality of archived texts, thereby uncovering neglected genealogies of cultural music research in the Americas.

Through these case studies, Indigenous Audibilities sheds light on the complex web of relationships that shaped the collection and preservation of Indigenous music and folklore. It highlights the role of individuals, communities, and institutions in shaping cultural narratives and explores the ways in which these narratives have been both contested and transformed over time. The book also raises important questions about the ethical implications of collecting and preserving cultural heritage, particularly in the context of ongoing struggles for sovereignty and cultural identity.

In conclusion, Indigenous Audibilities is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the history of cultural music research in the Americas. By delving into the social relations that shaped these collections, the book challenges the dominant narratives and sheds light on the overlooked voices and experiences of marginalized communities. It is a must-read for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the intersection of culture, history, and power.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 236 x 158 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197532492