Maria Carlotta Vocca

L'articolo analizza la formazione della specie Brassica oleracea, focalizzandosi sull'origine della varietà botrytis, comunemente conosciuta come cavolfiore. La complessità biogeografica e storica delle Brassicaceae, sia selvatiche che domestiche, rende difficile stabilire con certezza il loro centro d'origine. Tuttavia, attraverso una revisione dei dati filogenetici e tassonomici, l'articolo cerca di delineare il percorso evolutivo di Brassica oleracea.

In Papua New Guinea, in the province of Milne Bay, villages are gearing up for an event deeply rooted in legend and myth: the ceremonial exchange known as Kula. The central aspect of the Kula involves the exchange of two particular objects (vaygu’a): white shell bracelets (mwali) and red shell necklaces (soulava). Despite being mostly impractical – with bracelets often too small and necklaces too long to wear – these items hold immense significance. Each ceremonial expedition is preceded by meticulous preparations, with chosen men navigating the treacherous waters of the Solomon Sea to exchange mwali or soulava, creating an unending circle of exchange. Governed by strict rules, mwali travel clockwise and soulava counter-clockwise, changing hands every two years. This complex intertribal system, as described by Malinowski, creates lasting bonds among thousands of people, based on mutual obligations and privileges. But what makes these seemingly useless items so valuable, fostering lifelong connections? Their history. Temporarily held by individuals, mwali and soulava are proudly showcased, with their names, legends, previous owners, and the rituals protecting them recounted to the entire village. Their value lies not in accumulation but in generosity, as they evoke emotions, connect individuals to a shared history, and foster a sense of belonging to a larger community.

This is the second part of the story of the encounter. In this article, we delve into the meeting between Cortes and Motēcuhzōma, as the two behold each other and speak for the first time. It is a meeting that will reshape both myth and history.

This is the first part of the story of the encounter. The conquistadors see the Mesoamerican landscape for the first time. As the Spanish conquistadors ventured into the unknown territories of Mesoamerica, their eyes beheld a landscape unlike any they had ever seen.

This essay delves into the anthropological debate surrounding the concept of aesthetics, drawing from various scholars such as Georgina Born, Tim Ingold, Peter Gow, Joanna Overing, Howard Morphy, and Ellen Dissanayake. It examines different perspectives on whether aesthetics should be considered a cross-cultural category of analysis. The discussion encompasses diverse viewpoints, including the influence of modernist theory on the Western perception of art and aesthetics, neurological theories of aesthetic experience proposed by Ramachandran and Hirstein, and Dissanayake's exploration of the origins of art and aesthetic responsiveness. The essay also delves into the role of emotions and cultural traditions in shaping aesthetic perception. Ultimately, it suggests that while there may be elements of universality in aesthetic perception, the understanding of aesthetics is deeply intertwined with cultural contexts and individual experiences.

Through the lens of the agrarian survey conducted by Jacini, this essay offers insight into the production, export, and quality of cauliflower cultivated in the province of Salerno during the final decades of the 19th century. The significance of this study lies in the fact that nearly all the municipalities in the province were engaged in cauliflower cultivation, serving both domestic consumption and export purposes. Municipalities such as Pagani, Angri, and Sant' Egidio went as far as exporting cauliflower to Germany, showcasing the global reach of this local agricultural practice. Meanwhile, in the majority of cases, these municipalities primarily met the local dietary needs. This essay delves into the historical context and economic implications of cauliflower cultivation, shedding light on its multifaceted role in the socio-economic fabric of the region during that period.