Since the mid-1980s; whimsical; brightly colored wood carvings from the Mexican state of Oaxaca have found their way into gift shops and private homes across the United States and Europe; as Western consumers seek to connect with the authenticity and tradition represented by indigenous folk arts. Ironically; however; the Oaxacan wood carvings are not a traditional folk art. Invented in the mid-twentieth century by non-Indian Mexican artisans for the tourist market; their appeal flows as much from intercultural miscommunication as from their intrinsic artistic merit.In this beautifully illustrated book; Michael Chibnik offers the first in-depth look at the international trade in Oaxacan wood carvings; including their history; production; marketing; and cultural representations. Drawing on interviews he conducted in the carving communities and among wholesalers; retailers; and consumers; he follows the entire production and consumption cycle; from the harvesting of copal wood to the final purchase of the finished piece. Along the way; he describes how and why this "invented tradition" has been promoted as a "Zapotec Indian" craft and explores its similarities with other local crafts with longer histories. He also fully discusses the effects on local communities of participating in the global market; concluding that the trade in Oaxacan wood carvings is an almost paradigmatic case study of globalization.
#1737396 in eBooks 2001-03-15 2001-03-15File Name: B00ENT1C2E
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I loved the old picturesBy Bev Atteridge. ustomerVery real written and researched book on the history of Stevens County; I loved the old pictures. I have visited Kettle Falls and the area around it so it was more meaningful to read the book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Good local historyBy Avid readerThis is a well researched book with lots of period photos. Very enjoyable.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy its mevery interesting