Premium
George Hunt and the invention of Kwakiutl culture
Author(s) -
CANNIZZO JEANNE
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
canadian review of sociology/revue canadienne de sociologie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.414
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1755-618X
pISSN - 1755-6171
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-618x.1983.tb00888.x
Subject(s) - ethnography , humanities , george (robot) , sociology , ethnology , art history , art , anthropology
Get article décrit la carrière de George Hunt, collaborateur de Franz Boas et assistant de recherche de plusieurs autres ethnographes de la Côte Nord‐Ouest. On y examine, sa méthodologie, ses rapports avec ses informateurs et avec Boas et, dans la mesure ou cela peut ressortir des sources documentaires, son attitude envers son travail. On discute aussi certains aspects spécifiques de sa vie privée, afin d'essayer de comprendre comment il a pu développer des talents d'ethnographe aussi remarquables. En conclusion, l'article présente une analyse de la contribution de Hunt à la définition anthropologique de sa culture, analyse qui met en lumiere le rôle important qu'il a joué dans ‘l'invention’ des Kwakiutl en tant qu'entité ethnographique. This paper outlines the career of George Hunt, collaborator of Franz Boas and research assistant to several other Northwest Coast ethnographers. His methodology, his relationship with informants and Boas, and his attitudes toward his work are all considered, as far as possible working from documentary sources. The particular dimensions of his personal biography are discussed in an attempt to suggest how he developed such a remarkable expertise as an ethnographer. In conclusion, an analysis of Hunt's contribution to the anthropological view of this culture will be offered, one which centres on his important role in the ‘invention’ of the Kwakiutl as an ethnographic entity.