The Early Days of Anthropology: A Reflection on Indigenous Practices

During the formative years of anthropology, there was a significant scramble among intellectuals to learn as much as possible about Native American groups before it was too late. This period, roughly spanning the late 1800s to the early 1900s, marked a crucial time when the study of indigenous peoples was both intriguing and urgent. However, it is essential to differentiate these practices from the academic, formal approaches that would later define anthropology. Here, we explore the essence of indigenous anthropology and why it was integral to the early development of the field.

Understanding Indigenous Practices

Indigenous anthropology, as practiced during the formative years, involved a unique method not so much of structured academic study but rather of observation, intuition, and survival instinct. This method was akin to tracking—watching and listening to those around one, gathering every detail, and formulating hypotheses based on the collected data.

Think of it as stepping into another's world without the luxury of understanding the language or the customs fully. Instead, one becomes a silent observer, a tracker if you will. From the smell of their poop and the texture of their feces, to the direction of their travel and the specific foods they chose to eat, every detail was crucial. This method, often overlooked by academic historians, offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of Native Americans.

Methodology of Early Anthropology

The process was methodical yet unstructured. As one writer puts it, anthropology was 'hiding in the weeds,' watching 'down there' and leaving the scholars to observe and theorize based on their findings. This approach was far more grounded in practical observation and less about theoretical frameworks.

The method included a myriad of sensory experiences—smelling, tasting, feeling, hearing, and even processing the physical evidence left behind. By engaging with the environment in such a thorough manner, early anthropologists could better understand the reasons behind the patterns of behavior they observed. For example, the smell of sea brine or ammonia could provide clues about diet, while the shape and texture of feces might suggest the type of food preparation.

Challenges and Biases

While the practice of indigenous anthropology was crucial during its formative phase, it also faced challenges and biases. The tendency to view these observations through the lens of survival and adaptation meant that many of the conclusions drawn were highly speculative and often colored by the observers' own biases. This method, while valuable for its insights into daily life, could also lead to misinterpretations or overgeneralizations.

Moreover, the distinction between being a tracker and a formal anthropologist highlights a critical divide. The tracker focuses on practical, grounded insights, whereas the formal anthropologist aims for structured, academic understanding. This divide can be seen in how formal anthropology transformed over time, becoming more theory-driven and less focused on the practical observation inherent in indigenous methods.

Conclusion: The Evolution of Anthropology

The formative years of anthropology were marked by the unique practices of indigenous methods, which were more akin to tracking than structured academic study. These methods, while valuable for their insights into daily life, also highlight the challenges of interpretation and the evolution of academic disciplines. Today, understanding these early practices can provide valuable context for how anthropology has developed and what lessons can be learned from the methods of the past.

In essence, the early formative years of anthropology were not just about studying ancient civilizations or impressive ruins, but also about understanding the lives of contemporary indigenous peoples through a lens of close, practical observation. This approach emphasizes the importance of sensory engagement and intuitive understanding, providing a richer and more nuanced view of the past.