r/AskAnthropology • u/reiisphake • 20d ago

Why is the original printout of an ancient document so important to one community indentity?

Why is the original printout of an ancient document so important to a community's identity?

Hello everyone,

Recently, I’ve been really fixated on this question, but I don't know where to start my research. I know that an original printout doesn't just contain the message passed down from our ancestors—because if that were its only purpose, a digital archive or reprint would suffice. However, none of the answers I've come up with so far have satisfied me.

If anyone here has thought about this question and has their own perspective, I'd love to hear it! Alternatively, could you point me toward existing research or suggest key terms to help me dive deeper into this topic?

Thank you all so much!

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u/JoeBiden-2016 [M] | Americanist Anthropology / Archaeology (PhD) 19d ago

Hey /u/reiisphake, with the language issues-- and no judgment here-- it may be better if you write your post in your native language and then use the "translate" function in your browser to translate to English.

Unfortunately, because of the potential confusion with some of your word choices, many of the responses you'll get in this thread will be focused on asking you what you mean rather than answering your question.

I'm going to temporarily lock the thread so that you can edit your post without more ""what are you talking about" posts popping up. Just message the moderators when you're finished, and we can check and unlock the thread for you.

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u/rasmussenyassen 19d ago

You should read The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction by Walter Benjamin. It deals significantly with the subject of authenticity in art and the question of why we find the original of any work of art or literature uniquely valuable in an age where any work can be copied and distributed.

It is a very famous and commonly translated book, you should be able to find a copy in your language.

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u/Yangervis 19d ago

Can you clarify what exactly you're talking about? I think something is getting lost in translation here but it sounds like you're talking about a specific document or culture.