Rethinking anthropology of the Baltics

Since the turn of the century, in Scandinavia and in the Baltics, we can observe the development of the anthropology of the Baltic Sea Region. This article is conceived as a synthesis of the way this space has been thought of, and tells the story of its emergence as a geographic specialisation for anthropologists. The author also suggests some ideas for the development of ethnographic studies in/of the Baltic area. He depicts the region as a system of differentiation analogous to the Mediterranean system, articulating both spatial and temporal imaginaries, encouraging anthropologist to think of it as a "chronotope." The author also advances a conception of cultural areas based on flexible geographic divisions in calling for the strengthening of European anthropology by way of Northern comparative anthropological and ethnographic studies structured around the Baltic Sea area as a counterpoint to the anthropology of the Mediterranean.‪