2.2 Conservation and Naturalism

Conservation efforts in 19th-century America sparked anthropological interest in Indigenous cultures living in protected areas. This led to the rise of salvage anthropology, which aimed to document disappearing cultures through artifact collection and photography.

Anthropologists now advocate for studied communities through collaborative research and applied projects. Museums have evolved to prioritize storytelling and Indigenous perspectives, addressing historical biases and promoting cultural self-representation in exhibits.

Conservation and Naturalism in 19th Century Anthropology

Conservation initiatives in 19th century America

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• Establishment of national parks and forests preserved natural landscapes and wildlife (Yellowstone National Park, Adirondack Forest Preserve)
  • Influenced anthropologists to study and document Indigenous cultures living in these protected areas
• Creation of wildlife refuges and reserves protected endangered species and their habitats (Last Chance Creek Wildlife Refuge)
  • Prompted anthropological interest in exploring human-animal relationships and ecological knowledge within Indigenous communities
• Rise of conservation organizations advocated for nature protection and raised public awareness (Sierra Club, National Audubon Society)
  • Encouraged anthropologists to consider the role of culture in shaping environmental attitudes and behaviors
• Emergence of wilderness preservation movement sparked debates on the purpose and extent of conservation efforts (John Muir, Gifford Pinchot)
  • Led anthropologists to examine the concept of wilderness and its cultural constructions across different societies
  • Influenced the development of cultural ecology approaches in anthropology

Origins and ethics of salvage anthropology

• Origins rooted in the belief that Indigenous cultures were rapidly disappearing due to acculturation and assimilation
  • Assumed cultural extinction was imminent, necessitating urgent documentation efforts
• Methods focused on collecting and preserving cultural materials, such as artifacts, clothing, and tools
  • Used photography and film to record cultural practices and traditions for future study
  • Collaborated with museums to create ethnographic collections and exhibits showcasing Indigenous cultures
• Ethical implications and criticisms highlighted power imbalances and lack of respect for cultural protocols
  • Often conducted research without informed consent or consideration for community well-being
  • Prioritized preservation over the autonomy and agency of Indigenous communities
  • Contributed to the objectification and exoticization of Indigenous cultures as static and primitive
• Overlooked the importance of traditional ecological knowledge in understanding human-environment relationships

Anthropology and Advocacy

Anthropological advocacy for studied communities

• Collaborative research approaches involve communities in designing and conducting studies (participatory action research, community-based participatory research)
  • Empowers communities to use research findings for their own benefit and address local needs
• Applied anthropology projects apply anthropological knowledge to improve community well-being (development anthropology)
  • Anthropologists work with communities to design culturally appropriate interventions (public health initiatives, education programs, resource management)
• Advocacy and activism raise awareness of social and environmental issues affecting marginalized communities
  • Engage in public outreach and policy recommendations to support community rights and interests
  • Collaborate with Indigenous rights organizations and social justice movements to amplify community voices
• Promotion of sustainable development practices that consider both cultural and ecological factors

Evolution of museum cultural representations

• Shift from object-centered to people-centered exhibits prioritizes storytelling and cultural narratives
  • Traditional exhibits focused on displaying artifacts with minimal cultural context
  • Contemporary exhibits incorporate multimedia and interactive elements to engage visitors and convey cultural meanings
• Inclusion of Indigenous voices and perspectives through collaboration with source communities
  • Integration of Indigenous languages, oral histories, and cultural protocols in exhibit planning and interpretation
  • Repatriation of cultural objects and ancestral remains to their communities of origin as a form of cultural respect
• Addressing historical biases and power imbalances in museum practices
  • Acknowledgment of past practices that perpetuated cultural stereotypes and colonial legacies
  • Critical examination of the impact of colonialism on museum collections and representations
  • Efforts to decolonize museum spaces and promote cultural self-representation by Indigenous communities
• Embracing multiple interpretations and cultural diversity within exhibits
  • Presentation of diverse cultural perspectives and experiences to highlight cultural complexity
  • Exploration of cultural change, adaptation, and resilience over time, challenging static notions of culture
  • Encouragement of visitor reflection and dialogue on complex cultural issues and contemporary challenges

Ecological and Environmental Approaches in Anthropology

• Ecological anthropology examines the relationships between human societies and their environments
  • Focuses on how cultural practices and beliefs shape human interactions with ecosystems
  • Investigates the impact of environmental factors on cultural adaptation and change
• Environmental determinism theory proposed that physical environment directly shapes human culture and society
  • Later critiqued for oversimplifying complex cultural processes and ignoring human agency
• Biocultural diversity concept emphasizes the interconnectedness of biological, cultural, and linguistic diversity
  • Explores how Indigenous knowledge systems contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management