Abstract
This research investigates 1) how Yunnan Nationalities Museum and Yunnan Nationalities Village depict and construct ethnic minority identity and 2) how ethnic minorities from Yunnan reflect on the depictions of their ethnicity at these locations. Using Micheal Baxendall’s theory of museums serving as educational institutions, secular temples, and treasure houses I interpret both the roles that these locations play as well as the significance this gives to the minorities they represent. I also use Katja Muller’s theory that museum objects can have an emotional aura to interpret the connection or lack of connection my contributors felt to each location. I argue that the presence of aura and emotional connection to an object leads to an interpretation of authenticity and therefore a positive evaluation of the location where the object is located.
Advisor
Frese, Pam
Second Advisor
You, Ziying
Department
Sociology and Anthropology; Chinese Studies
Recommended Citation
Cook, Sue Stuart, "Aura and Ethnicity at Yunnan Nationalities Museum and Yunnan Nationalities Village: An Investigation into Museum Representation and Reflections on Identity" (2019). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 8482.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/8482
Disciplines
Chinese Studies | Museum Studies | Social and Cultural Anthropology
Keywords
Yunnan, Ethnicity, Museums, Aura
Publication Date
2019
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2019 Sue Stuart Cook