Date of Award
11-2023
Document Type
Masters Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Organizational Unit
College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, Anthropology
First Advisor
Bonnie Clark
Second Advisor
Christina Kreps
Keywords
Ahwahnechee, Ahwahnee, Climbing, Heritage, Spirituality, Yosemite
Abstract
Yosemite Valley is a transformative landscape that helps to shape climbers’ identities and fosters a unique sense of community, which continually reinforces its status as a renowned and evolving climbing destination. The historical influence of Yosemite Valley on rock climbing began in the 1950s and has since defined itself as a prominent destination for climbers worldwide. This ethnographic research analyzes how climbers forge a meaningful connection with the Valley by forming a deep sense of place that intertwines with their personal identities as climbers and investigates the intricate relationship between climbers’ identities and the Yosemite landscape. This research also explores the social dynamics within the Yosemite climbing community, and how climbers validate and reinvent their identities through shared practices, rituals, and narratives. The findings of this research underscore the importance of recognizing the cultural and personal dimensions of climbing experiences in this iconic destination. By understanding the historical and cultural influences that have shaped Yosemite’s climbing heritage, this work provides insight into the broader context of rock climbing and its ever-evolving relationship with the natural environment, particularly within National Parks.
Copyright Date
11-2023
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
All Rights Reserved.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Rights Holder
Vanessa Taylor
Provenance
Received from ProQuest
File Format
application/pdf
Language
English (eng)
Extent
159 pgs
File Size
4.3 MB
Recommended Citation
Taylor, Vanessa, "Bolting the Landscape: An Ethnography of Yosemite as a Significant Climbing Destination" (2023). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2360.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/2360
Discipline
Cultural anthropology, Cultural resources management, Museum studies