In: Transcultural Studies, 2 (2011), pp. 6-50
Abstract
The analysis of hidden power constellations in any translation process between cultures–in this special case between Asia and Europe–is an emerging feature in (trans-)cultural studies. However, with a strong focus on texts and images, techniques of direct material translation–such as plaster casts–are rarely discussed. And even if the cultural-historical value of this form of physical copying in European museum collections was rediscovered in the last decade, the analysis of their relevance in colonial translation politics has yet to be assessed.This paper focuses on the cultural-political history of French plaster casts. It is particularly interested in those made of the Cambodian temple of Angkor Vat during early French explorative missions, museum displays, and universal/colonial exhibitions (from the 1860s to 1930s). It explores the hypothesis that plaster casts were a powerful ‘translation tool’ to appropriate local, built heritage in the Indochinese colonies for global representation.
Document type: | Article |
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Journal or Publication Title: | Transcultural Studies |
Volume: | 2 |
Date Deposited: | 27 Nov 2012 11:42 |
Date: | 2011 |
Page Range: | pp. 6-50 |
Faculties / Institutes: | Service facilities > Exzellenzcluster Asia and Europe in a Global Context |
DDC-classification: | 950 General history of Asia Far East |
Uncontrolled Keywords: | Global Art History, Transcultural Studies, Architecture, Angkor, plaster cast, universal exhibitions, colonial exhibitions, translation |