iDIDJ Australia Didgeridoo Cultural Hub

I am currently reading Sound and Sentiment by Steven Feld. Dr. Feld describes this work as " an ethnographic study of sound as a cultural system- that is, a system of symbols- among the Kaluli people of Papua New Guinea. It shows how an analysis of modes and codes of sound communication leads to an understanding of life in Kaluli society. By studying the form and performance of weeping, poetics, and song in relation to the Kaluli natural and spiritual world, Sound and Sentiment reveals Kaluli sound expressions as embodiments of deeply felt sentiments".

The idea of concepts being expressed through art, song, and dance has always been part of my conception of the functionality of said mediums in society. Learning about Yolngu society, in which art, song and dance are the central modes of expression, piqued my curiosity in non-written symbolic expressive systems that form the core of a cultural knowledge system. This book has given me a deeper insight into the traditions of a people whose song and ritual parallel those of the Yolngu in a systemic way. Sound and Sentiment is a must read for those who also ponder the deeper meanings of ritualistic symbolism amongst traditional peoples.

Sounds good (no pun intended!).

Guan

hehe. As a side note, Dr. Feld has quite the academic track record. He teaches at the University of New Mexico and would be a wonderful contact for this forum. I may try and get him involved in some of the discussions here on ididj that deal with cultural awareness, authenticity etc.

p.s. I hear whether or not I make it to the final rounds of selection for the Fulbright grant on the 31st of this month! Keep the fingers crossed!

I have studied the work of Steven Feld in some of my anthropology, as well as religion classes at UVM. Feld is an awesome anthropologist, and has lots to say about sound as a cultural manifestation. He talks a lot about how the aesthetics surrounding sounds, not just the musical sound, are all crucial components to what is going on in a musical ritual. For the Kaluli, they call their sound "Dulugu Ganalan," or "Lifting up, over-sounding." The forest, the birds, the wind, the streams, and the voices of the Kaluli people themselves are all fundemental aspects of their "lifting up, over sounding" sound.

The work of Ellen Basso on the Kalapalo people of the Brazilian Amazon is a nice complement to Feld. I highly recommend Basso.