Anthropology Commons^™

Wilson, Alexander Gordon, 1888-1970 (Mss 445), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Manuscripts Collection 445. Correspondence, published and unpublished writing, and research of Alexander Gordon Wilson, faculty member in the English department of Western Kentucky University from 1915-1959. Includes genealogical and autobiographical material as well as extensive research data and writing on the ornithology of Bowling Green and Warren County, Kentucky, on folklore and linguistics, and on the ornithology and folkways of the Mammoth Cave region of Edmonson County, Kentucky.

Folk Arts In Rural Libraries Project (Fa 602), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 602. Materials documenting the Folk Arts in Rural Libraries Project conducted in the central Kentucky. Materials include lists of folk artists, slides documenting folk art festivals, slide inventories and administrative papers.

Ethnicity: Contemporary Ethnicity In The Inner Bluegrass (Fa 601), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Foklife Arhives Project 601. Collection of materials related to Ethnicity, a project documenting ethnic heritage in the inner Bluegrass, sponsored by The Living Arts and Science Center, the Kentucky Folklife Program of the Kentucky Historical Society, and the Lexington Public Library. This collection includes audio and written transcripts of those interviews. Also included are various administrative and program related papers.

Brown, Mark, B. 1976 (Fa 751), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid and photograph for Folklife Archives Project 751. Interview conducted by Mark Brown with luthier Steve Cooley, Louisville, Kentucky. Cooley discusses how he makes and repairs guitars and banjos at the Guitar Emporium in Louisville. He also relates information about playing with Bill Monroe and other musicians in Kentucky.

The Copala Triqui Auxiliary Construction For Emotional And Psychological Predicates, George Aaron Broadwell

Anthropology Faculty Scholarship

Copala Triqui has a construction in which predicates of emotion and psychological state appear with one of two special auxiliary verbs, derived historically from verbs meaning 'see' and 'look'. This paper details the constraints on the syntax of the emotion auxiliary construction and contrasts it with the ordinary verbal syntax of the language. (Ethnologue code TRC)

Proxy Citizenship And Transnational Advocacy: Colombian Activists From Putumayo To Washington, Dc, Winifred Tate

Faculty Scholarship

Proxy citizenship is the mechanism through which certain rights of citizenship—the ability to make claims for redress to a state—are conferred on activists through relationships with NGOs. Focusing on advocacy from within the policy process, U.S. and Colombian NGOs channeled political legitimacy and rights of access to Colombians, whose claims emerge from the experience of governance as articulated through testimony. This process, and its roots within the shared history of the Putumayo region of Colombia and Washington, DC, reveals emerging practices of citizenship claims and transnational political participation.

Birds, Burials And Sacred Cosmology Of The Indigenous Beothuk Of Newfoundland, Canada, Todd Kristensen, Donald Holly

Faculty Research and Creative Activity

The Indigenous Beothuk of Newfoundland disappeared as a cultural entity in the early nineteenth century. Prior to this, the Beothuk had few direct interactions with Europeans, and those that occurred were generally of a hostile nature. As a result, very little is known about Beothuk religious life. Drawing on available ethnohistoric records, an analysis of burial site locations and funerary objects, we offer an interpretation of Beothuk sacred cosmology that places birds at the centre of their belief system.

Cultures In Contact At Colony Ross, Kent G. Lightfoot, Sara Gonzalez, Darren Modzelewski, Lee M. Panich, Otis Parrish, Tsim Schneider

Faculty Publications

For thousands of years before the coming of Europeans, Kashaya Pomo and Coast Miwok peoples inhabited the coastal lands north of San Francisco Bay. Like many other California Indians, they were hunter-gatherers who harvested wild plants and animals from the sea and land for food, medicine, clothing, housing material, and ceremonial regalia. Villages nestled along protected coastal embayments and ridge tops of the Northern Coast Ranges mountains contained tule-thatched or redwood bark houses, ceremonial structures (round houses), sweat houses, dance enclosures, and extramural cooking and work areas. Large villages served as the political centers for broader communities of dispersed family …

Speaking Politely, Kindly, And Beautifully: Ideologies Of Politeness In Japanese Business Etiquette Training, Cynthia Dickel Dunn

Faculty Work

In recent years, politeness theory has increasingly focused on speakers’ own conceptualizations of polite behavior, viewing politeness concepts as a type of language ideology. This article examines the construction of Japanese politeness concepts in the business etiquette training provided for new employees in Japanese companies. Drawing on participant-observation of business etiquette seminars offered by five training companies, it analyzes how employees are taught to show deference through appropriate honorific use, to speak in ways which are seen as kind or considerate, and to speak and move in ways the instructors define as ‘beautiful.’ The analysis demonstrates how etiquette training conflates …

In Search Of The Self: Eastern Versus Western Perspectives, Derek C. Wolter

Oglethorpe Journal of Undergraduate Research

In analyzing a mythological work, a proper understanding of the nature of the self and its relation to the Cosmos is essential. Alan Watts, the late British philosopher, proposed that there were two great myths of the self—myth here not used in the sense of something false, but rather as a way of interpreting oneself and one’s reality. In the West, there is a dualistic conception of the self where there is a clear distinction between creator and created, and Man and the self is viewed as an artifact of creation. In the East, there is a non-dualistic conception of …

Physical Activity And Modernization Among Bolivian Amerindians, Michael Gurven, Adrian V. Jaeggi, Hillard Kaplan, Daniel Cummings

ESI Publications

Background: Physical inactivity is a growing public health problem, and the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. Conversely, indigenous populations living traditional lifestyles reportedly engage in vigorous daily activity that is protective against non-communicable diseases. Here we analyze physical activity patterns among the Tsimane, forager-horticulturalists of Amazonian Bolivia with minimal heart disease and diabetes. We assess age patterns of adult activity among men and women, test whether modernization affects activity levels, and examine whether nascent obesity is associated with reduced activity.

Methods and Findings: A factorial method based on a large sample of behavioral observations was employed …

The Institute, Dereck Daschke

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of The Institute (2013) directed by Spencer McCall.

Burgoo Project, 1995-2005 (Fa 600), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 600. This collection consists chiefly of video documentation related to the preparation of burgoo, a stew generally consisting of vegetables and wild game. Several of the videos included were filmed at Claylick United Methodist Church in Anderson County, Kentucky. The collection also includes slides taken at a burgoo dinner at Claylick Church as well as a professionally produced DVD titled “Burgoo!: Mythical Stew of Kentucky.” Lawrenceburg, Kentucky is the site of the annual Anderson County Burgoo Festival.

Google And The World Brain, Dereck Daschke

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of Google and the World Brain (2013) directed by Ben Lewis.

Tree Climbing And Human Evolution, Vivek V. Venkataraman, Thomas S. Kraft, Nathaniel J. Dominy

Dartmouth Scholarship

Paleoanthropologists have long argued—often contentiously—about the climbing abilities of early hominins and whether a foot adapted to terrestrial bipedalism constrained regular access to trees. However, some modern humans climb tall trees routinely in pursuit of honey, fruit, and game, often without the aid of tools or support systems. Mortality and morbidity associated with facultative arboreality is expected to favor behaviors and anatomies that facilitate safe and efficient climbing. Here we show that Twa hunter–gatherers use extraordinary ankle dorsiflexion (>45°) during climbing, similar to the degree observed in wild chimpanzees. Although we did not detect a skeletal signature of dorsiflexion …

Taiwanese Language Medical School Curriculum: A Case Study Of Symbolic Resistance Through The Promotion Of Alternative Literacy And Language Domain Norms, Philip John Sweeney

Dissertations and Theses

In contemporary Taiwan, Mandarin language proficiency and literacy in Han characters are not only key skills needed for success in academic institutions and employment markets, but they also carry meaning as symbolic markers of national and supranational Chinese identity. This study examines how Taiwanese-language medical studies curriculum planners are promoting alternative linguistic practices as a means of resisting the influence of Chinese nationalism in Taiwan and striving to replace it with a rival Taiwanese nationalism. I conducted research for this study during the 2010-2011 school year in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. I collected data for this study by engaging in participant observation …

K’U’X Como Vínculo Corporal En El Cosmos, Servando Z. Hinojosa

Anthropology Faculty Publications

Today, for the kaqchikel maya of the Guatemalan Highlands, the word k'u'x has gained great importance. Generally translated as "corazon" k'u'x has a strong sense or viral force. In the community under study, k'u'x has its expression in three significant ways: focusing on life and sensibility, as a placenta and as the creator-sustaining deity. Among its multiple aspects it shows a spiritual character interlacing with the physical dimensions of human life. The purpose of this paper is to approach co an integral understanding of k'u'x, taking in regard its position in several domains of Mayan experience. I present the fundamental …

Williams, Camilla Reynolds, 1923-2005 (Sc 790), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Manuscripts Small Collection 790. Photocopies of story written by Camilla Reynolds Williams entitled, “Ma Motley’s Robbery Tale,” 1863?, which supposedly occurred in Warren County, Kentucky. She won second place in the 1971 Kentucky Woman’s Club Folklore Contest for this entry. Also Hays family genealogical chart prepared by Joseph S. Hays.

Williams, Donna (Fa 595), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 595. Paper titled “Turning Legend to Song,” written by Donna Williams for a folk studies class at Western Kentucky University. The paper analyzes the propensity of songwriters to rely upon tales and legends for inspiration in the composition of songs. Williams focuses on Boone County, Kentucky’s legend of Skull Bone Cave.

Thornton, Rachel (Fa 596), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 596. Paper titled “Quilting” written by Rachel Thornton for a folk studies class at Western Kentucky University. Williams details the quilting methods used by Barren County quilter Marlene “Chris” Woods. Thornton conveys Woods’ passion for hand quilting rather than machine quilting as well as the intimate connection and personal meaning that quilts embody for those who make and use them.

Potts, Emily (Fa 598), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 598. Paper, titled “From Green to Blue: Cultural Identity in Irish and Bluegrass Fiddling,” written by Emily Potts for a folk studies class at Western Kentucky University. The paper compares Celtic fiddle music and Bluegrass music, identifying the similarities in the circumstances of their origin, style, and purpose. Much of the paper is based upon an interview with Bluegrass musician Julianna Waller.

Parsley, Rachel, B. 1991 (Fa 593), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid and full-text scan of paper and two transcripts (Click on "Additional Files" below) for Folklife Archives Project FA 593. Paper titled “Folk Medicine in the Mammoth Cave Area” written by Rachel Parsley for a folk studies class at Western Kentucky University. Parsley details folk remedies and folk medicine of the communities in the Mammoth Cave Region of south central Kentucky. Parsley’s research centers around interviews with her father, Andrew G. Parsley, Jr., and an Edmonson County resident, Bertha Skaggs, a well-known local practitioner of folk remedies. In addition to her interviews, Parsley relies on information collected by a …

Davenport, Denille B. 1983 (Fa 594), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 594. Paper titled “Strawberry Festival” by Denielle Davenport for a folk studies class at Western Kentucky University. Davenport details the Strawberry Festival which is an annual festival celebrating Portland, Tennessee’s agricultural roots in the production of strawberries.

Shelley, James Adam (Fa 597), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 597. Paper titled “Pig” written by James Adam Shelley for a folk studies class at Western Kentucky University. The paper details the origins and traditions related to a popular partnership card game which originated in Fentress and Pickett Counties of the northeastern section of middle Tennessee.

Springwood's Book On Global Gun Culture Newly Relevant, Matt Kurz

News and Events (Discontinued Series)

No abstract provided.

Pinto, Chelsea (Fa 591), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 591. Paper, titled “Paul McCartney Wanted Dead or Alive”, written by Chelsea Pinto for a folk studies class at Western Kentucky University. Pinto details the urban legend surrounding the alleged death of Paul McCartney of the English rock band The Beatles, and his subsequent replacement by a “look-alike”. Pinto bases her conclusions largely on a small number of interviews conducted with Beatles fans.

Squires, Bailey Marie, B. 1989 (Fa 589), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid and full text (Click on "Additional Files" below) for Folklife Archives Project 589. [Folklore materials classified by genre] Information collected by Bailey Marie Squires related to folklore genres for a folk studies class at Western Kentucky University.

Travis, Hayley Anne (Fa 590), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 590. [Folklore materials classified by genre] Information collected by Hayley Anne Travis related to folklore genres for a folk studies class at Western Kentucky University.

Arnold, Andrew (Fa 592), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 592. This paper, titled “Raising Tobacco”, was written by Andrew Arnold for a folk studies class at Western Kentucky University. Arnold details the process of raising tobacco from selecting the proper location for the crop to delivering the final product to market. The paper is largely based upon Arnold’s personal interview with Lewisburg, Kentucky farmer, Thomas Nelson.

Shared Responsibility In A Multispecies Playground, Marcus Baynes-Rock

Between the Species

While conducting research on urbanised hyenas in Harar, Ethiopia, I was approached by a young hyena named Willi. In contrast to other hyenas, who tolerated my presence but otherwise had little interest in me, Willi insisted on some kind of engagement. Through biting, chase play, combing, following and standing by one other, Willi and I went beyond our species limitations and created an improvised intersubjectivity based on a will to understand. However, our friendship led to some harmful consequences for which I felt responsible. This led me to question the ethics of engagement with non-humans: if unforeseen harms can result …