In defense of materiality: Attending to the sensori-social life of things

This article presents a defense of the concept materiality in face Tim Ingold’s critique as part his “efforts to restore anthropology life” Being Alive and elsewhere. While acknowledging forcefulness stress on “liveliness” materials, doctrine perception “as action” (not representation), it critiques way he neuters perceiving subject, abstracts senses, disregards sensuous pleasures making, elides sensori-social life things. Three case studies are presented by illustration: sensorial archaeology perception, “exuberant materiality” Byzantine bas-relief metal icon, tactility “ladies’ craftwork” eighteenth nineteenth century. In place ideal-typical figures – rootless wayfarer, skilled craftsman this brings out situatedness human subject within particular tradition, or sensory social regime, how mediates their construction things other persons.