Theorizing Relations in Indigenous South America: Edited by Marcelo Gonzalez Galvez, Piergiogio Di Giminiani and Giovanna Bacchiddu

Anthropological inquiries mainly focus on relations, which have been explored through local ontological theories and comparative ethnographic research. This volume demonstrates the importance of ethnographic diversity and the ability of comparative ethnography to illustrate complex questions surrounding relations in the context of modern coloniality.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2022
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Anthropological inquiries have always centered around relationships, whether they were invented, discovered, implicit, or explicitly addressed. Initially, these relationships were perceived as self-evident connections between distinct social units during ethnographic fieldwork. However, as time passed, local ontological theories began to shed light on these relationships, broadening our understanding of them. This comprehensive collection examines how ethnographies of indigenous South America have played a significant role in shaping this analytical shift. It highlights the enduring importance of ethnographic diversity and demonstrates how comparative ethnographic research can provide valuable insights into complex questions related to relations in the context of modern coloniality.

In the early days of anthropology, researchers relied on ethnographic fieldwork to observe and understand the relationships between different social units. These relationships were often taken for granted as self-evident connections between discrete groups. However, as anthropologists delved deeper into their research, they began to question these assumptions and explore alternative perspectives.

One of the key developments that led to this shift was the introduction of local ontological theories. These theories sought to understand the complex web of relationships that existed within a particular community or society. They recognized that relationships were not always linear or hierarchical, but rather were shaped by a variety of factors, including cultural practices, social structures, and individual experiences.

Ethnographies of indigenous South America played a significant role in inspiring this analytic shift. These studies provided a wealth of empirical evidence that challenged traditional notions of relationships and revealed the rich diversity of social structures and practices across different cultures. For example, many ethnographies have highlighted the importance of kinship and descent in shaping social relationships, as well as the role of gender, power, and religion in mediating these relationships.

Furthermore, comparative ethnographic research has also played a crucial role in illustrating complex questions surrounding relations in the context of modern coloniality. By comparing different communities or societies that have been affected by colonialism, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which colonialism has disrupted and transformed social relationships. For example, some studies have shown how colonialism has created new forms of inequality and discrimination, while others have demonstrated how colonialism has facilitated the development of new forms of social solidarity and resistance.

In conclusion, relationships have remained the main focus of most anthropological inquiries, and this collection demonstrates the continued importance of ethnographic diversity in shaping our understanding of these relationships. Whether invented, discovered, implicit, or directly addressed, relationships are complex and multifaceted, and they require a range of analytical approaches to be fully understood. Ethnographies of indigenous South America have played a significant role in inspiring this analytic shift, and comparative ethnographic research can provide valuable insights into the complex questions surrounding relations in the context of modern coloniality.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800733299