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Guatemalan cemetery; Art auctions

New research on how society works. Art auctions - Laurie Taylor explores the dynamics leading to the strike of a hammer. Plus a portrait of a Guatemalan cemetery with no more room.

Art Auctions - How do auctioneers and buyers transact sales in seconds? Laurie Taylor hears from Professor Christian Heath who discusses his detailed study into the tools and techniques which lead to the strike of a hammer. They're joined by the arts writer and critic, Georgina Adam. Also, the Guatemalan cemetery with no more room. The growth of the city combined with high death and murder rates means the cemetery is overflowing. The anthropologist, Kevin O'Neill, talks about the harsh effects of an aggressive policy of disinterment when poor relatives can't pay the dues.

Producer: Jayne Egerton.

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28 minutes

Kevin Lewis O'Neill

Assistant Professor, Department and Centre for the Study of Religion, University of Toronto


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Abstract: 鈥溾

doi: 10.1177/1466138111435751 Ethnography December 2012 vol. 13 no. 4 510-530

Christian Heath

Professor of Work and Organisation and leads the Work, Interaction and Technology Research Centre, King鈥檚 College London

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The Dynamics of Auction: Social Interaction and the Sale of Fine Art and Antiques
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN-10: 0521767407
ISBN-13: 978-0521767408

Georgina Adam

Arts writer and critic


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  • Wed 13 Mar 2013 16:00
  • Mon 18 Mar 2013 00:15

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