Museums, Culture, and Society.

Catalog description

Provides an introduction to museum anthropology. Surveys the emergence of modern anthropology from its origins in 17th century natural history to its late 19th century institutionalization in museums. Explores the role of collectors, curators and financial patrons in the development of museums and social theory. Examines the contemporary poetics and politics of museums and cultural interpretation, including cultural property rights, cultural self-representation, collaborative exhibit development, and the ethnography of museums.