Re-Creating Anthropology: Sociality, Matter, and the Imagination

This book explores the interactions between sociality, matter, and the imagination, providing detailed case studies of film-making, spirit-possession, Theosophy, and artistic creativity. It reconsiders what anthropology is and should be in the twenty-first century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book makes a significant contribution to the ongoing discussions about the nature and future of anthropology in the twenty-first century. Through a comprehensive exploration, drawing from diverse sub-disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives, it delves into the intricate interplay between sociality, matter, and imagination. The book explores the multifaceted nature of imagination, examining its social contexts, its practical applications, and its embodied and material manifestations.

The chapters presented in this book offer detailed case studies that shed light on various aspects of imagination. These case studies encompass a wide range of topics, such as film-making in Egypt, spirit-possession/exorcism in Italy, Theosophy and its influence on knowledge about UFOs, the role of mistakes or glitches in public performances, the diverse relationships humans have with the environment, post-coloniality, time, and crisis in anthropology, and the creative processes of artistic creativity.

By examining these case studies, the book provides valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of imagination. It highlights the ways in which imagination shapes social interactions, influences knowledge production, and contributes to the understanding of human experiences. Moreover, the book emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in anthropology, as it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between sociality, matter, and imagination.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the study of anthropology and the imagination. It offers a rich and nuanced perspective on the interactions between sociality, matter, and imagination, and provides a solid foundation for further research and exploration in this field.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032131887