ABSTRACT

Violins: Local Meanings, Globalized Sounds examines the violin as an object of meaning in a variety of cultural and historical contexts, and as a vehicle for introducing anthropological issues. Each chapter highlights concepts as taught in lower-level anthropology courses, and includes teaching and learning tools. Chapters range from a memoir-like social biography of a single instrument to explorations of violins in relation to technology, labor, the environment, migration, globalization, childhood, cultural understandings of talent and virtuosity, and prestige.

chapter 2|31 pages

Violins as Built Objects

chapter 3|27 pages

Violins as Migrating Objects

chapter 4|22 pages

Violins as Children’s Objects

chapter 5|21 pages

Violins as Prestige Objects