Paper short abstract:

The panel convenors evoke some intersections between empirical data gathered through their own fieldworks (in Amerindian and respectively European societies), and recent anthropological theories of ontology and agency.

Paper long abstract:

Among many societies, on different continents, musical or formalised speech performances build up specific sonic constructs. The latter often retain or receive forms of agency which set them clearly apart from daily sounds and from "normal" speech. These processes may come into play when "art" music is being listened to in an intense way, as well as when non-human beings are contacted, and/or performed in a ritual. Sometimes, sound is the only 'voice' of such non-humans. To which extent can sonic manifestations be regarded as existential for these beings? The panel convenors will present some questions, intersecting recent anthropological theories with empirical data gathered through their own fieldworks (in Amerindian and respectively European societies).