Speculative Relations: Indigenous Worlding and Repair
Indigenous relations are often described in anthropological terms, or as expressions of timeless, unchanging kinship ties. In Speculative Relations, Joseph M. Pierce challenges this view, considering the potential of these relations as a means of repairing the damages of history. Pierce approaches Indigenous art and culture not as objects of study, but through relations committed to reciprocity and care for human and more-than-human beings. Drawing on Cherokee thinking, Indigenous queer theory, literary and cultural studies, and art criticism, he illuminates pathways for understanding and resisting the ongoing damages of colonialism while pointing to future worlds and imaginaries that breathe life into Indigenous thought and practice. Analyzing a range of materials—from photography, literature, and sculpture to film and ethnography—Pierce reveals how speculation, as a form of situated knowledge production, can repair and reimagine the worlds that colonialism sought to destroy. In doing so, Pierce highlights how gestures, poetics, and embodiment can uphold tradition and harness the imaginative power of speculation to create pathways for living in good relations.
1147173422
Speculative Relations: Indigenous Worlding and Repair
Indigenous relations are often described in anthropological terms, or as expressions of timeless, unchanging kinship ties. In Speculative Relations, Joseph M. Pierce challenges this view, considering the potential of these relations as a means of repairing the damages of history. Pierce approaches Indigenous art and culture not as objects of study, but through relations committed to reciprocity and care for human and more-than-human beings. Drawing on Cherokee thinking, Indigenous queer theory, literary and cultural studies, and art criticism, he illuminates pathways for understanding and resisting the ongoing damages of colonialism while pointing to future worlds and imaginaries that breathe life into Indigenous thought and practice. Analyzing a range of materials—from photography, literature, and sculpture to film and ethnography—Pierce reveals how speculation, as a form of situated knowledge production, can repair and reimagine the worlds that colonialism sought to destroy. In doing so, Pierce highlights how gestures, poetics, and embodiment can uphold tradition and harness the imaginative power of speculation to create pathways for living in good relations.
125.0 Pre Order
Speculative Relations: Indigenous Worlding and Repair

Speculative Relations: Indigenous Worlding and Repair

by Joseph M Pierce
Speculative Relations: Indigenous Worlding and Repair

Speculative Relations: Indigenous Worlding and Repair

by Joseph M Pierce

Hardcover

$125.00 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Available for Pre-Order. This item will be released on August 29, 2025

Related collections and offers


Overview

Indigenous relations are often described in anthropological terms, or as expressions of timeless, unchanging kinship ties. In Speculative Relations, Joseph M. Pierce challenges this view, considering the potential of these relations as a means of repairing the damages of history. Pierce approaches Indigenous art and culture not as objects of study, but through relations committed to reciprocity and care for human and more-than-human beings. Drawing on Cherokee thinking, Indigenous queer theory, literary and cultural studies, and art criticism, he illuminates pathways for understanding and resisting the ongoing damages of colonialism while pointing to future worlds and imaginaries that breathe life into Indigenous thought and practice. Analyzing a range of materials—from photography, literature, and sculpture to film and ethnography—Pierce reveals how speculation, as a form of situated knowledge production, can repair and reimagine the worlds that colonialism sought to destroy. In doing so, Pierce highlights how gestures, poetics, and embodiment can uphold tradition and harness the imaginative power of speculation to create pathways for living in good relations.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781478028888
Publisher: Duke University Press
Publication date: 08/29/2025
Pages: 288
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

Joseph M. Pierce is Associate Professor in the Department of Hispanic Languages and Literature at Stony Brook Universityand author of Argentine Intimacies: Queer Kinship in an Age of Splendor, 1890–1910.

Table of Contents

Preface: A Story of Relation ix
Introduction: Speculation, Relations, Worlding, and Repair 1
1.Relate 25
Interlude 1. Remember 41
2. Gesture 48
Interlude 2. Speculate 85
3. Become 87
Interlude 3. Star 123
4. Body 126
Interlude 4. Rock 181
5. Love 185
Conclusion 212
Epilogue: If/Then Statements 218
Acknowledgments 221
Bibliography 249
Index
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews