The Problem of the Fetish

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Exploring the concept of fetishism, this collection by William Pietz delves into its historical roots from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, particularly focusing on European colonizers and African communities. The essays examine fetishism's implications across anthropology, political economy, psychiatry, and law, highlighting themes of value, violence, sacrifice, and debt. Accompanied by a foreword and an introduction that contextualize Pietz's work, this volume aims to resonate with scholars interested in material culture and the interplay of objects and power.