Category: Book Reviews
Trained Eyes, Coded Faces: What a New Paper Reveals About the Origins of Facial Analysis and Human Expression
by KIKE CALVO
A recent study by Heewon Kim analyzes historical disagreements between anthropologists and psychologists regarding the measurable nature of human emotion. It traces the evolution of facial and bodily expression analysis and highlights how these debates shape modern AI technologies. The findings question whether emotions can be universally coded or understood contextually.
When Science and Exploration Became Politics: The Hidden Story Behind Museum Expeditions in Latin America
by KIKE CALVO
What a new book reveals about exploration, museums, and intelligence during World War I Exploration is often remembered through adventure stories, scientific discoveries, and museum collections. But history is rarely that simple. A fascinating new book by historian Roberta Marx Delson explores a lesser-known chapter of exploration history: the moment when scientific expeditions in Latin America became deeply entangled with politics, diplomacy, and wartime … Read More When Science and Exploration Became Politics: The Hidden Story Behind Museum Expeditions in Latin America
+ Academic Paper, anthropology, Blog, Book Reviews, Cultural, Focus, Religion & Spirituality, Southeast Asia
The Significance of Objects in Southeast Asian Heritage
by KIKE CALVO
Material Cultures in Southeast Asia: Objects in Context by Sabine Chaouche highlights the significance of everyday objects in shaping memory, identity, and culture in Southeast Asia. This book, published by Taylor & Francis in May 2025, focuses on tools, garments, and artifacts as dynamic entities, revealing their critical role in historical narratives. Chaouche and contributors emphasize de-centering Western perspectives in heritage practices, presenting Southeast Asian societies authentically. They explore the complex relationships between tradition and modernity, showcasing living heritage through practical objects. This volume serves as an essential resource for those studying heritage, anthropology, and the materiality of Southeast Asian cultures.
