Different Cultures Have Different Visions of the Meaning and Value

question 17

Essay

Different cultures have different visions of the meaning and value of art. Provide the author's definition of "art," and use this as a starting point for explaining why Western art became the standard for galleries and museums. Distinguish between Western and so-called primitive art, and explain the role anthropologists played in raising awareness of the latter. Highlight both the positive contributions attributed to and criticisms of anthropologists relative to notions of "ethnocentrism" and the "universal gaze." Provide two examples to discuss how and why "primitive" or "ethnic" art has become a collector's item.

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Definitions:

Common Law

A body of unwritten laws based on legal precedents established by the courts, influencing the decision-making in similar cases.

Courts of Chancery

Courts that have jurisdiction over matters of equity, including trusts, land use, and the administration of estates, historically separate from courts of law.

Common Law

A legal system based on court precedents and customs, rather than codified written laws.

Civil Law

The system of law concerned with private relations between members of a community rather than criminal, military, or religious affairs.