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Writing on Stone; Writing on Paper: Myth, History and Memory in NW Amazonia.

Authors :
Hugh-Jones, Stephen
Source :
History & Anthropology. Apr2016, Vol. 27 Issue 2, p154-182. 29p. 1 Color Photograph, 1 Black and White Photograph, 2 Diagrams.
Publication Year :
2016

Abstract

This paper deals with the relation between different kinds of indigenous speech and music and various iconographic forms such as petroglyphs, house painting, basketry designs and also features of landscape that are understood in graphic terms. It examines how Northwest Amazonian myth-history is structured and memorized, how it can appear in both verbal and non-verbal forms, and how contemporary books, maps and diagrams produced by indigenous organizations as part of programmes of research and education show continuity with these traditional forms. Rather than making firm distinctions between peoples with and without writing, I argue that it is more profitable to focus on how various mnemonic systems—“writing”—work in tandem with different narrative forms—“myth”. When “writing” and “myth” are understood in indigenous terms, contemporary written documents appear in a new light. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
02757206
Volume :
27
Issue :
2
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
History & Anthropology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
113393254
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/02757206.2016.1138291