Henry Field (anthropologist)
Henry Field: An Overview
Henry Field (December 15, 1902 – January 4, 1986) was an influential American anthropologist and archaeologist whose extensive contributions to the field have left a lasting legacy. Born into a prominent family in Chicago, Field’s upbringing and education laid the groundwork for a career that would span several decades, encompassing roles as a curator, researcher, and educator. His work not only advanced the study of anthropology but also had significant implications during pivotal historical moments, including World War II.
Early Life and Education
Henry Field was born in Chicago, Illinois, as a great nephew of the famous merchant Marshall Field. His childhood was marked by familial changes; his parents’ marriage ended early, leading his mother, Minna Field, to remarry Algernon Burnaby. This new chapter of his life unfolded at Baggrave Hall in Leicestershire, England. Field’s educational journey began at prestigious institutions such as Sunningdale and Eton before culminating in his studies at Oxford University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1925. He continued his academic pursuits, obtaining a Master of Arts in 1930 and a Doctor of Science in 1937.
Early Career at the Field Museum
Field returned to Chicago in 1926 to join the Field Museum of Natural History as an assistant curator in physical anthropology. His early work involved significant archaeological expeditions, notably the excavation of Kish under the auspices of both the University of Oxford and the Field Museum. This expedition yielded a wealth of information and artifacts, accompanied by over 5000 photographs capturing both the excavations and the local villagers.
In the late 1920s, as preparations for the Chicago World’s Fair were underway, Field played a crucial role in creating two permanent exhibitions for the event. The “Hall of Prehistoric Man” featured nine full-size dioramas illustrating early human life and included artifacts collected by Field himself. Another exhibition, “Hall of the Races of Mankind,” showcased over 100 life-sized sculptures representing various races, crafted by renowned artist Malvina Hoffman. Both exhibits received acclaim and were ready for public viewing when the fair opened on May 30, 1933.
By 1934, Field had been promoted to Head Curator of Physical Anthropology. One of his notable acquisitions during this time was the “Magdalenian Girl,” a remarkably complete Upper Paleolithic skeleton that remains one of North America’s most important specimens for study. Throughout this period, he also returned to Iraq to conduct anthropometric surveys among various ethnic groups such as Marsh Arabs, Shammar Bedouins, and Kurds.
Impact During World War II
As World War II loomed on the horizon in 1941, Henry Field was appointed as “Anthropologist to the President” by Franklin D. Roosevelt. This role placed him at the center of a top-secret initiative designed to address post-war refugee resettlement challenges—a project codenamed “M” for migration. Recognizing that millions would require relocation and support after the war’s conclusion, Roosevelt tasked Field with identifying under-populated areas across North Africa and the Middle East suitable for refugee settlement.
Field’s efforts resulted in over 600 detailed studies aimed at informing U.S. policy on refugee resettlement. These documents have been preserved in several libraries, including the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park, New York, and the University of Miami. His work during this tumultuous time exemplified how anthropology could intersect with pressing global issues.
Later Career and Teaching
Following World War II, Field continued to shape his legacy as a Research Fellow at Harvard University’s Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology from 1950 until 1969. He participated in significant expeditions such as the University of California African Expedition (1947–48) and collaborated with other researchers on projects focused on archaeology and ethnology in various regions including Pakistan and the Near East.
In the early 1950s, Henry Field relocated to Coconut Grove, Florida, where he began teaching at the University of Miami starting in 1966. His influence extended beyond academia; he founded Field Research Projects—an entity dedicated to publishing scientific and educational materials—to further disseminate knowledge within his field.
A notable aspect of his personal life includes his third wife, Julia Allen Field—an accomplished lion trainer and zoo director—whom he married later in life. Together they raised two daughters: Mariana Field Hoppin from New York and Juliana Field from Framingham, Massachusetts. Henry Field passed away on January 4, 1986, in Coral Gables, Florida.
Preservation of Legacy
The contributions of Henry Field to anthropology are preserved through extensive collections housed at institutions such as the Special Collections department at the University of Miami library. Here lie boxes filled with his papers related to both his “M” project work as well as various archaeological expeditions he conducted throughout his career.
In recognition of his impact on science and anthropology, an endemic Middle Eastern viper has been named Pseudocerastes fieldi after him—a testament to his lasting influence on natural history.
Additionally, exhibitions such as “Field Photography: The Marsh Arabs of Iraq,” hosted by Harvard’s Peabody Museum in 2004-2005 showcase his photographic documentation from fieldwork conducted during expeditions like those that focused on Marsh Arabs in Iraq.
Publications
Field was not only an active researcher but also a prolific author whose works contributed significantly to anthropological literature. Some notable publications include:
- The Track of Man, published by Doubleday in 1952
- The Races of Mankind, which served as an introduction to Chauncey Keep Memorial Hall
- Arabs of Central Iraq: Their History, Ethnology and Physical Characteristics
- Contributions to Anthropology, covering various geographical regions including Iran and Soviet Union
- An Anthropological Reconnaissance in West Pakistan
Conclusion
Henry Field’s multifaceted career bridged significant historical events with groundbreaking research in anthropology and archaeology. His contributions continue to resonate within academic circles while also providing invaluable insights into human history and cultural diversity. Through education, research initiatives during critical periods like World War II, and enduring publications, Henry Field has secured a distinguished place within American anthropology that will be remembered for generations to come.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).