Calliope's Sisters: A Comparative Study of Philosophies of Art

by Richard L. Anderson

This book looks at the visual and performing arts of the world's societies, examining such issues as the origin of art, the ultimate nature of art, and the theoretical basis of art's role in human affairs. Anderson focuses on ten diverse societies, noting the similarities and differences found in these and other traditional aesthetic systems.

The author examines San Aesthetics: The Enhancement of Life in a Foraging Society, Inuit Aesthetics: Art as Transformer of Realities, Aboriginal Australian Aesthetics: Sacramental Union with the Eternal Dreamtime, Aesthetics of the Sepik: Powerful Spirits and Phallic Aggression in New Guinea, Navajo Aesthetics: A Unity of Art and Life, Yoruba Aesthetics: Goodness and Beauty in West Africa, Aztec Aesthetics: Flower and Song, Aesthetics in Early India: “Rasa” and the Theory of Transcendental Enjoyment, Japanese Aesthetics: An Exultation of Beauty and Bliss, Western Aesthetics: A Quartet of Traditions, Comparative Aesthetics: The Many Faces of the Muse, Art as Culturally Significant Meaning, Style, Feeling, and Skill and Western Aesthetics in Cross-cultural perspective.

For individuals interested in a comparative study of philosophies of art.

Genres: Art, Anthropology, History, Philosophy

384 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1989

Reviews

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some wonderful quotes about art, aesthetics, and the role they play in various societies. If you are looking to reflect on why humans make art, this book is a good addition to your explorations.

[Noelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great overview of inter-culture differing ideas of aesthetics.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read every chapter, but it is a great resource on non-western aesthetics

[Jamie Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Partial read.