Prophets and Ghosts: The Story of Salvage Anthropology

In the late 19th century, anthropologists, linguists, archaeologists, and other chroniclers collected Indigenous cultural objects, believing they were doomed to disappear. This collection became an engine of the American museum and shaped public education and preservation, but also reinforced racist assumptions. Prophets and Ghosts explores the moral challenges of the salvage project and the valuable knowledge it provides for researchers and museum visitors.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 328 pages
\n Publication date: 26 November 2021
\n Publisher: Harvard University Press
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In the late 19th century, a remarkable effort emerged to preserve the culture of "vanishing" Indigenous peoples through the dispossession of the very communities it was meant to protect. Anthropologists, linguists, archaeologists, and other chroniclers embarked on a mission to amass a vast collection of Indigenous cultural objects, including crafts, clothing, images, and song recordings. Driven by a belief that these cultures were on the brink of extinction, collectors generously donated these treasures to museums and universities, hoping that they would be preserved and exhibited for future generations.

Samuel Redman delves into the archive to explore the intricate legacy of salvage anthropology. He uncovers the complex and often contradictory motivations behind the collectors' pursuit of the "vanishing Indian" tradition. The salvage catalog reveals a vision of Native cultures clouded by racist assumptions, which had profound consequences. This collecting practice became an engine of American museums, shaping public education, preservation, and popular ideas about Indigenous cultures.

Prophets and Ghosts, by Samuel Redman, delves into the moral challenges inherent in the salvage project. While preservationists successfully maintained an important human inheritance, sometimes through collaboration with Indigenous people, collectors' methods also included outright theft. This resulted in a portrait of Indigenous culture that reinforced the public's confidence in the hierarchies of superiority and inferiority invented by "scientific" racism.

Today, the same salvaged objects are sources of invaluable knowledge for researchers and museum visitors. However, the question of what should be done with such collections remains urgent. Redman interviews Indigenous artists and curators, who offer fresh perspectives on the history and impact of cultural sa. They challenge the traditional narratives and highlight the ongoing struggles and resilience of Indigenous communities.

In conclusion, salvage anthropology represents a complex and multifaceted chapter in the history of North America. While it aimed to preserve cultural heritage, it perpetuated racist assumptions and reinforced harmful hierarchies. The legacy of salvage anthropology continues to be a subject of debate and reflection, as we strive to understand the past and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

\n Weight: 666g\n
Dimension: 165 x 243 x 33 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780674979574\n \n