How did colonialism shape early anthropology?

Colonialism played a significant role in shaping early anthropology, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Anthropology emerged during the colonial period when European powers were expanding their empires around the world. The discipline was often shaped by colonial attitudes and the interests of colonial powers, influencing how anthropologists studied non-European societies.

Here are a few key ways in which colonialism impacted early anthropology:

1. Racial Hierarchies: Early anthropology was heavily influenced by the idea of racial hierarchies, with Europeans often seen as the pinnacle of civilization. This racial thinking was rooted in colonialism, where colonizers viewed indigenous peoples as “primitive” or “savage” compared to European cultures. Anthropology, particularly physical anthropology, was used to justify and reinforce these beliefs by classifying people based on race and attempting to prove the superiority of Europeans.
2. Ethnographic Studies: Much of early ethnography (the study of cultures and societies) was conducted by anthropologists who traveled to colonized territories. These early ethnographies often portrayed indigenous peoples in a way that reflected the colonial mindset, emphasizing their “otherness” and highlighting perceived differences from European society. The research often focused on exoticizing and objectifying the subjects, with little regard for their agency or perspective.
3. Salvage Anthropology: This was a term used for the study of cultures that colonial powers saw as disappearing or vanishing due to Western influence. Anthropologists often framed their work as “salvaging” indigenous cultures, languages, and practices before they were lost, reflecting a colonial sense of superiority and the idea that indigenous societies were doomed to extinction. This also meant that anthropologists sometimes failed to account for the ways in which these cultures were evolving or adapting to colonial pressures.
4. Exploitation of Indigenous Knowledge: In many cases, anthropologists were complicit in exploiting the knowledge and labor of indigenous peoples. For example, anthropologists often relied on indigenous guides, informants, and translators without properly crediting or compensating them. The knowledge gained through these relationships was often used to further colonial agendas rather than for the benefit of the indigenous people themselves.
5. Ethnocentric Bias: Early anthropologists were often ethnocentric, interpreting other cultures through the lens of European norms and values. This bias led to the misrepresentation of many cultures, which were often judged as inferior or “backward.” Anthropology, as a result, was not just an academic pursuit but a tool that helped reinforce colonial control by justifying European dominance and providing colonial authorities with knowledge to manage and control colonized populations.