Draft:The Anthropology of Turquoise: Meditations on Landscape, Art, and Spirit

"The Anthropology of Turquoise: Meditations on Landscape, Art, and Spirit" (2002) is a non-fiction work written by Ellen Meloy. The book offers an intricate exploration of the symbol of turquoise, employing its cultural and spiritual significance to delve into diverse aspects of nature, art, culture, and spirituality.

Meloy presents a narrative that traverses various domains of human knowledge, incorporating insights from anthropology, geology, and art history. The mineral turquoise, central to the book, is examined through its geological roots, cultural uses, and spiritual symbolism across different societies. This exploration is integrated with wider reflections on the human relationship to the landscape, our symbiotic relationship with nature, and the role of spirituality in human life.

Through a series of thematic chapters, Meloy portrays the interconnectedness of all things, utilizing her personal experiences to highlight the recurring theme of turquoise. In this way, the book becomes both an homage to the natural world and a thoughtful inquiry into the human condition within the environment.

Reception

Upon its release, "The Anthropology of Turquoise" garnered significant critical acclaim. Publisher's Weekly wrote, "knowledgeable and lyrical, Meloy's meditations should resonate with those who find sustenance in the natural world." The book was nominated as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction in 2003.