The Brokered Image: Material Culture and Identity in the Stubaital

by Kelli Ann Costa

Overview

This book presents the 'brokered image,' a constructed identity influenced by tourism and the global economy, expressed through a variety of displays and performances in rural Tyrol. This image of old world simplicity complicates interactions between and among hosts and guests as evidenced in this small mountain village in Austria.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761820116
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	12/14/2001
Pages:	164
Product dimensions:	5.42(w) x 8.46(h) x 0.51(d)

About the Author

Kelli Ann Costa is Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Women's Studies, Franklin Pierce College, New Hampshire.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Dedication Chapter 2 Preface Chapter 3 The Brokered Image: An Introduction Chapter 4 Theories of Identity in Anthropological Discourse Chapter 5 Metaphor, Identity and the Brokered Image Chapter 6 Tethered Memories: The Image of Die Bauern in Two Tyrolean Museums Chapter 7 Theories of Material Culture in Museum Settings Chapter 8 Redefining Public and Private Space: Tourist Season in Rural Tyrol Chapter 9 Contrasting Identities: Interior and Exterior Expressions of "Tyrolness" Chapter 10 Conclusion: Image Brokering and the Postmodern Peasant Chapter 11 Bibliography Chapter 12 Index

Editorial Reviews

Anthropologist Costa argues that any discussion of identity must include equal discussion of metaphor and symbol, especially as they emerge in people's material cultures. She examines the display of material culture in museums of the rural Tyrol region of Austria and compares them to the use of rural material culture in villages confronting globalization. She notes that the shifting meanings given to material culture in practice give the lie to many of the assumptions of the curators of the museums, as well as many assumptions of cultural anthropology in general. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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