Art styles as cultural cognitive maps

American Anthropologist • Vol/Iss. 63 • Published In • Pages: 79-93 •
By Fischer, J. L.

Abstract

This paper tests theory suggesting that art is a form of expressive cultures which ultimately is shaped by the social conditions under which people in a society live. Focuses on social hierarchy and its relationship to art styles.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
OtherOther Researchers
compendium of coded data

Hypotheses (7)

HypothesisSupported
"Design repetitive of a number of rather simple elements should characterize egalitarian societies; design integrating a number of unlike elements should . . . characterize hierarchical societies" (81)Supported
"Design with a large amount of empty or irrelevant space should characterize egalitarian societies; design with little irrelevant (empty) space should characterize hierarchical societies" (81)Supported
"Symmetrical design (a special case of repetition) should characterize egalitarian societies; asymmetrical design should characterize hierarchical societies" (81)Supported
"Figures without enclosures should characterize egalitarian societies; enclosed figures should characterize hierarchical societies" (81)Supported
"Straight lines, representing the male form, as opposed to curved, should be associated with societies which strongly favor male solidarity in residence" (84)Not Supported
"Complex, nonrepetitive design, representing a hierarchical society, should be associated with societies which favor male solidarity in residence" (84)Supported
". . . there would be more curved [and complex] designs in polygynous societies and more straight-line designs in monogamous societies" (86)Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas  Jessie Cohen