Anthropology and Ethnology as Scientific Bases for Studying Folk Art: as Illustrated by French Researchers

Abstract

The development of anthropology and ethnology in Europe of the late 18th century was facilitated by accumulation of practical material which provided grounds to study the human and human communities at various angles. Studies of folk art (folklore) remain relevant at present; globalization, the development of technology, mass media and communications have become factors to promote modern folklore. The works of folk art and modern folklore reflect the mentality, culture and traditions of the people, the development of language and literature, changes in social structures and values of society. The scientific basis for the study of folk art is anthropology and ethnology. The purpose of this article is to draw attention of researchers to the works of French scientists and show the range of anthropological studies concerning socio-cultural context of emergence and existence of folklore. The article presents the stages anthropology development with examples from the works of French scientists, many of which are little known in Russia. Finally, it is concluded that anthropological and ethnological approaches make it possible to study folklore and its role in the dynamics of culture and history.