Book chapter
What our ancestors knew
The Expressive Instinct
07 Dec 2022
Abstract
As we map our journey across time, it is increasingly clear that creative self-expression in art forms is as old as human history itself. Examples such as prehistoric rock art are reminders that artistic expression has been a part of all human communities and civilizations. To fully immerse ourselves in the current contexts of creative expression, we must examine the role of indigenous and traditional artistic practices, particularly as they relate to promoting health and well-being. Indigenous and traditional artforms have elements that connect seamlessly from ancient to modern life and serve as reminders of the timeless aspects of the human condition. Many of these art forms have survived to this day, and each of us could trace back to a community of origin. In particular, the aspects of storytelling and narrative, contemplative and meditative practices, connection to nature, and sustaining a nurturing community are reminders from these arts practices. The unfortunate and oppressive history of colonialism and imperialism minimized the value and importance of these practices. Contemporary efforts in research and practice to better understand the value of these deeply integrated creative practices could offset some of these irretrievable losses.
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Details
- Title
- What our ancestors knew
- Creators
- Girija Kaimal
- Publication Details
- The Expressive Instinct
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press; New York
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts Therapies
- Other Identifier
- 991019295205504721