Africa at Noon–April 11, 2012–Herbert Lewis

Upcoming Africa at Noon Events

How Did Anthropology Become the Child and Handmaiden of Colonialism?: A Critical Look at a Cliché

Herbert S. Lewis
Emeritus Professor of Anthropology
UW-Madison

Time and Location: 12:00pm, 206 Ingraham Hall, 1155 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI

Presented as part of a special series of Africa at Noon talks by distinguished affiliates and alumni on the development and influence of Wisconsin’s African Studies Program

Description:
The idea that anthropology owed its origins to, and served the interests of, colonialism, has become a truism—one that affects the understanding and reception of the field. This talk takes a critical look at the “anthropology and colonialism” trope in order to contextualize and understand its origins. We will then discuss key elements in the development of the discipline of anthropology with reference to its relationship to colonialism.

Speaker’s Bio:
Herbert S. Lewis, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, taught anthropology and African Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1963 to 1998. He served as director of the African Studies Program 1993-1995.
Lewis authored a number of books, including A Galla Monarchy: Jimma Abba Jifar, Ethiopia, 1830-1932; After the Eagles Landed: The Yementies of Israel; Oneida Lives: Long-Lost Voices of the Wisconsin Oneidas.

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