Objects Talk: The Social Life of Objects

Arjun Appadurai's concept of the social life of objects addresses the relationship between people (culture) and the objects within their culture. It is easy to understand how people affect objects: we interact with and manipulate existing objects, we create new objects, and destroy old ones. In this sense we create a material culture imbued with value. But we also exist within it. Think about the house you live in or the clothes you wear. These things shape your identity and your experience as a human being. You might choose your clothing but your experience is defined by the way you interact with others based on their perceptions of you.

The same thing can be said about art objects as well. For example, we see an example of ethno-aesthetics in Fast Runner being represented through the social life of film. We see traditional methods of hunting, transportation, ceremonies, dress, gender interaction, etc. in the film. The film attempts to convey social messages and the identity of this tribe to viewers per the tribe. We could say that the objects in the film themselves have a social life since they define the way these people live. Using dogs and sleds allows for certain hunting practices and it makes carrying burdens far distances easier. Using igloos as shelter grants protection against the climate, a place to stay warm, or prepare food. Larger igloos can be used for ceremonial feasting, etc. Without these igloos the daily life of these people would look quite different. They serve a utilitarian as well as a social use. The film as an object itself also has a social life on a more global scale since it is widely distributed around the world as an example of this tribe. The film determines the way we see these people and our understanding of their culture. It is a medium through which a global conversation is taking place.

The concept of the social life of things is very important in the modern era of globalization and hybridization since cultures must be able to  converse with other cultures. It also applies to cultural elements and events. This relates back to the article we read about Amalia Mesa-Bains who said that in designing her museum exhibit their goal was to maintain the integrity of Mexican culture but to look at spiritual traditions across cultures. Like we talked about with HIV/AIDS art, in order to understand the AIDS issue in South Africa you have to look at the issue on a global scale.