Aesthetically Appreciating Animals: On The Abundant Herds

Abstract

This is an essay in appreciation of The Abundant Herds, a study of the ama-Zulu’s naming practices for their Nguni cattle. The book reveals an aesthetic vision in which contemplative and practical attention are intertwined and a complex classificatory system does not undermine an appreciation of the indi-viduality of the cattle. The book and the practices it celebrates permit a richer account of the beauty of farm animals to the standard functionalist approach.