Appearance Artifacts

    Appearance artifacts can be one of the most powerful types of nonverbal communication. What do the uniform of a police officer or the fatigues of a soldier do for those looking on? What do the metals on an officer communicate to another officer of lesser rank? What happens if one of the metals is the Congressional Medal of Honor? In contrast, what message comes from a young person wearing all black and more metal in their body than in your whole car? All of these questions refer to our appearance artifacts and how important it is in our daily nonverbal communication.

    The choices we make in the colors we wear, clothing, hairstyle and makeup are all a means of nonverbal communication.Color psychology has demonstrated that different colors can invoke changes in mood. Physiological reactions of others, their judgment and interpretations can be altered by our appearance. Just think of all the subtle judgements you quickly make about someone based on his or her appearance. These first impressions are important, which is why experts suggest that job seekers dress appropriately for interviews with potential employers.

      Although the most basic purpose of wearing clothing is to shelter our bodies from nature’s extremities, clothing can also be used to communicate a number of things about ourselves to other people. For instance, people might wear certain types of clothing to show what their beliefs are. Muslim women may wear hijabs or a burqas; Jewish men may wear yarmulkes; and Christians may wear a cross around their necks to present to others that they follow a particular lifestyle and participate in specific traditions. Likewise, clothing can also communicate what nationality you are. In many traditional ceremonies or festivities, each culture has a certain style of dress that is appropriate. Indian saris, Japanese kimonos, Scottish kilts, Afghani turbans, and Filipino barongs are just a few examples of clothing that are specific to a culture.

             

  
    Besides communicating about a person’s beliefs and nationality, clothing can be used as a non-verbal outlet to attract others. Men and women might adorn themselves with accessories and keep up with the latest fashion trends to attract partners they are interested in. In this case, clothing becomes a means of self-expression, and people can sense power, wealth, sex appeal, personality, or creativity just by looking at what a person is wearing. Most recently at the last New York Fashion Week, we saw that clothing can even reflect a society’s state of economy. Since our economy is still on the road to recovery, designers focused on less expensive fabrics and more wearable, practical designs when creating clothing for this season. When it comes to non-verbal communication, most people think of body language, facial expressions, voice intonation, or gestures, but what you wear is also a means of non-verbal communication. Clothing can say a lot about you, and it can also tell you a lot about others.  The next time you meet someone, consider what they are wearing and how that impacts your interaction; you’ll be surprised.

Works Cited:

AJ Giannini, J Daood, MC Giannini, R Boniface, PG Rhodes. Intellect vs Intuition--A dichotomy in the reception of nonverbal communication. Journal of General Psychology. 99:19-24,1977

Andersen, Peter. (2004). The Complete Idiot's Guide to Body Language. Alpha Publishing.

Remland, Martin S. (2009). Nonverbal communication in everyday life. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Pets

When I think about artifacts in nonverbal communication, I tend to think about concrete items, like desks, jewelry, paintings, and sculptures.  Did you know that pets are considered an artifact?  They act just like these other items because they too send off messages about their owners.  People choose certain animals to surround them in their home for all different reasons.  A lot of times, owners chose animals that match their personality and they don't even know that they are doing it.  I am going to take this opportunity to fill you in on some messages that people might want to send out when they choose a pet.

I am going to start with big and ferocious dogs.  What is the first thing that you would think if you walked into a house and someone had a Rottweiler or Mastiff laying by the fireplace?  Would you feel a little intimidated knowing that this dog could do damage to anyone in just a matter of minutes?  These two dog are considered to by guard dogs. "A guard dog not only watches and alerts but also threatens the intruder to the point of retreat." (Canine Information Library, 2003) There are a bunch of different breeds that are in this category, like Dobermans, German Shepherds, and Bulldogs, just to name a few  These are very intimidating dogs and most people have them in their house to tell people, "I am protected" and if you try to do anything, I have my big dog right here.  Owning a guard dog can portray different characteristics about a person, for instance single or have small children.  They have that need for protection.  So owning a a big, guard dog like the ones shown below can speak a lot about a person

Bullmastiff

Doberman

There are people out there that own pets to help with a specific need.  Most of these animals are dogs that help people with disabilities.  These are extremely helpful pets that give off a message that their owner needs special care without having to actually say it.  For example, when you are walking in the store and you see a dog in there, you know that the owner has a need for an assistance These are extremely special pets that make life a little easier for some people.  Some different types of assistance dogs are ones that help the hearing impaired, seizure alerting, visually impaired, and immobility. 

Now we all know that probably the most popular form of pet is a dog, but there are many other types of pets out there that send all different types of message.  Lets take a look at lizards and what they say about the type of people that own them.  Reptiles are not your ideal pet, they are not cuddly or even very cute.  However their characteristics are very diverse and interesting.  One reason people might have a lizard is because they take up very little space.  A lizard might portray that his or her owner lives in an apartment or a small house  because you don't need a lot of space to care for it.  Taking care of a lizard doesn't require a lot of time, so if you own a lizard maybe you have a hectic lifestyle and only have time for a little interaction whereas if you had a dog, they require a lot at attention.  Lizards seem to be very easy-going and they say that a pet's personality usually matches the owners.

There are so many different types of pets out there that say so much about their owners.  People have certain animals for different reasons, like protection or therapy.  Others just have them to match their personality.  Some people are looking for companionship.  Whether it is a dog, cat, mouse, snake, pig, or turtle, pet owners choose their animal for a specific reason that displays a specific nonverbal message making all of these things artifacts.



Cited Sources

The Canine Information Library, (2003). Guard Dogs.
        Retrieved from  http://guarddogs.bulldoginformation.com/ 

Sculptures

For centuries, artifacts have been used for communication. They are physical objects that express one’s values and beliefs to the world that can’t be expressed in words. Sculptures, a type of artifact, were created as significant pieces of art that hold symbolic meaning. Artifacts can work as communication in cultures and can help us interpret history of civilization. “They are important to scholars for the role they play in reflecting a society’s level of technological development and aesthetic taste, among other things” (Berger). Similar to other types of nonverbal communication, artifacts are different in each culture.  

Flags are artifacts that represent different countries around the world. The American flag is only a symbol of our country and probably doesn’t have much meaning to other countries; however, in America our flag symbolizes freedom and democracy. After 911 people all over America put out flags to show their support for our country. It was a symbolic gesture showing other countries that we stand united; together. The American flag is a symbol of the USA and it represents our morals and values. Our flag has much history behind it giving it more of a sentimental importance. It has changed over the years as America has grown but has never lost its patriotic image.

Some of the most notorious artifacts in this world are sculptures or landmarks. Not only have been around for hundreds of years, but they have made a huge impact on culture and society. Some hold so much value, that they are historical landmarks in certain countries, for example, The Pyramids of Ancient Egypt. They were “built as tombs for Kings (and Queens), and it was the exclusive privilege to have a Pyramids” (Pyramids of Giza). The Pyramids have significant meaning behind them and their reasons for being built.

These Pyramids were built to last forever, and have proven to do just that. The “Egypt’s pharaohs expected to become gods in the afterlife” (Handwerk) so they built these temples that were massive tombs equipped with everything that a “ruler would need to guide” (Handwerk) them into the next world.  These artifacts represented their spiritual beliefs and helped us better understand Egyptian civilization.

Other artifacts that were created by the Eyptians were hidden in their tombs. Inside these tombs contained tomb art that were “depictions of ancient farmers working their fields and tending livestock, fishing and fowling, carpentry, costumes, religious rituals, and burial practices” (Handwerk).

Artifacts are expressed not only by the clothes you wear, or the desks you sit at, but by objects that have symbolic cultural meaning. They help “sociologists and other social scientists, as well as culture critics” (Berger) understand their society. They also give us “other aspects of material culture to important insights into values, beliefs, and ideological aspects” (Berger). Artifacts play a significant part in our daily lives.

 By: Leigh Blanchard


Works Cited:

Berger, Arthur A. "Artifacts." Http://www.communicationencyclopedia.com/public/. Ed. Wolfgang Donsbach. Blackwell Publishing Inc., 2008. Web. 5 Dec. 2011. http://www.communicationencyclopedia.com/public/tocnode?id=g9781405131995_yr2011_chunk_g97814051319956_ss56-1.

Handwerk, Brian. "Giza Pyramids Hold Pharaohs' Ancient Secrets -- National Geographic." Science and Space Facts, Science and Space, Human Body, Health, Earth, Human Disease - National Geographic. National Geographic Society., 2011. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/archaeology/giza-pyramids/.

"Pyramids of Giza, Pyramids Facts." Egypt Travel Information Egypt Trips/Tours to Egypt/Egyptian Tours/Trip Advisor/Travel Deals/New Year Tours/Travel Advice. Ask-Aladdin., 2011. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. http://www.ask-aladdin.com/pyramid.htm.

Tattoos

Tattoos are one way people can nonverbally express themselves, through body art a person can create an outwardly impression to others.  Tattoos allow people to alter their appearance in permanent ways, unlike the clothing that can be taken off and changed a tattoo is pretty much for life. A person uses their physical appearance not only to give off impression but also to help guide their own personally identity.  I interviewed several of my friends and acquaintances who have tattoos and discussed their decisions to get a tattoo as well as what was the meaning and impression they were attempting to give off with this body art and received back many different answers. I found that all of the individuals I spoke with had personal meanings behind their tattoos, but often time just by looking at someone’s tattoo you do not understand the full story behind them. Thus leading me to believe that tattoos have become more of a personal thing for those possessing them, the tattoo has meaning to the individual regardless of the visibility of the tattoo and others impression.  I also noticed that some individuals think of their body art as just that, “art,” using their bodies as a canvas to express themselves whether their tattoo is depicting a portrait of a loved one, a symbol that reminds them of a period of their life, or something that they simply found beautiful.  Tattoos can be used for all sorts of purposes, and now with their growing popularity tattoos are becoming much more than pictures permanently on a person’s body but instead a part of their personalities and identities.

Many use tattoos as a way to express their faith or religion:

There are many different religions out there and many choose to show the strength in their beliefs and faith by carrying symbols of their religion on their bodies.

Many use tattoos in the form of a quote that inspires them or says something about their personality or life:

This is Ashley she has this tattoo that says “She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.” This is a quote that reminds her every day to never settle for less that she deserves.

This is Sara, she got this tattoo that says “be the one to guide me, but never hold me down,” on her 18^th birthday; this was a quote that she found very fitting for her 18^th birthday, she was entering a new chapter in her life about to start college and the rest of her life and this quote reminds her to always strive to move forward without leaving behind the lessons she has learned. 

Others use more symbolism in their tattoos:

This is Jada and she has several tattoos, one that she holds very dear to her is a racehorse she has on her foot, this is to remind her of her late grandfather who was a very well know jockey. This tattoo helps to remind her that he will always be with her. Jada explained that with he tattoos she wants to express herself and uses her tattoos to tell a story about her life and identity; tattoos make her happy and allows her to be a very unique individual. 

This is a Katherine, and her tattoo is the actual musical notes to a song that helped her get through a tough time in her life.

So as you can tell tattoos not only have the ability to give off impression of the owner, they also have very different meaning to all those whom possess them. Many tattoos owners are simply trying to express themselves, they are a way of telling a story and a story that they are proud enough to wear on their skin each and every single day.  Tattoos have many nonverbal capabilities and are a great way to develop ones personality and identity and carry that aspect of themselves on their body.

Author: Michelle Swartz

WORKS CITED:

YANG LIN (2002) AGE, SEX, EDUCATION, RELIGION, AND PERCEPTION OF TATTOOS. Psychological Reports: Volume 90, Issue , pp. 654-658

"Non-Verbal Communication Tools : Non-Verbal Communication: Tattoos & Piercings Video." EzineMark Video. Web. 07 Dec. 2011. <http://video.ezinemark.com/non-verbal-communication-tools-non-verbal-communication-tattoos-piercings-451c777b3d4.html>.

Hickson III, Mark, Jessica Deyo, and Price Walt. "Nonverbal Communication." By Don W. Stacks. Web. 25 Nov. 2011. <teachpsych.org/ebooks/pse2011/vol2/45.%20Nonverbal.pdf>.

Jewelry

As a recent purchaser of an engagement ring, it has become apparent to me how important jewelry really is to people, men and women.  Jewelry can definitely convey different messages non-verbally making it an artifact in nonverbal communication.  There are all types of jewelry that convey certain messages, a major one being social status.    

Jewelry has always been a form of expressing oneself throughout history.  People with a lot of wealth and high social status have worn jewelry for more than 90,000 years.  For example, in Ancient Egypt, the kings and queens had the finest jewelry, such as beaded collars and bracelets made of gold, which expressed to the people of their community that they were important.  It is crazy to think that something worn around your neck could convey that strong of a message.  There was no need to shout to the world that you were of high social status because the jewelry just spoke for itself. 

King Tut's collar     1

King Tut's Arm Cuff     2

  

Today almost everybody wears jewelry but there are certain types of jewelry that convey the same message of high social status, such as expensive name brands.

 

If one wears expensive jewelry, they will definitely be perceived as having a lot of money, which I am sure, is what they want to portray.  For example, a Tiffany 3-carat diamond ring or a Rolex watch are extremely expensive items and to wear one of these will show people that you have a lot of money.  

Tiffany Rings    3

Rolex watch    4

Again the message of a lot of wealth is what people want to show with this expensive jewelry.  There are definitely less expensive rings and watches out there if you needed one, but the reason they spend $60,000 on a single piece of jewelry is so people can see that on your hand or wrist and admire it as well as your money.  This can be very rewarding to some people.  

There is a very important message that people can receive from a specific piece of jewelry and that is wedding rings.  “A wedding ring symbolizes eternity, endlessness, and something that cannot be broken. Wedding rings are given as a token of unending love for each other. (Kennan , 2007)”  People know that when they see a wedding band on someone’s left hand, that person is taken, that person is already committed to someone else.  This is definitely considered an artifact of nonverbal communication because the rings speak for themselves.  They show a message of love for one another.  

Wedding Bands    5

Another form of jewelry to express something would be class rings or championship rings.  Wearing these rings let people know that you are or were a part of something.  A lot of college students will buy class rings and wear them for a long period of their life to let people know that they went to school there and in a sense are proud of their school.  Championship rings are worn by people who were part of a team that accomplished something huge, a championship  The purpose of this ring is to let people know that you were a part of this team and you helped to win.  So like other types of jewelry, these convey different messages. 

Texas Tech Class Ring     6

 

 

L.A. Lakers Championship Ring  

So as you can see, there are all types of jewelry that portray different messages, like wealth and social status, love, commitment, and honor.  There are so many other types of jewelry in the world that can convey many other types of meanings. 

Author: Kenny Stott

Sources:

Kennan , M. (2007, March 01). Meaning of wedding rings. Retrieved from        http://ezinearticles.com/?Meaning-Of-Wedding-Rings&id=478859

 DeVito, J. A. (2002). Human communication: The basic course. (9 ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Retrieved from http://www.pearsonhighered.com/samplechapter/0205353908.pdf

Cited Pictures

   http://www.ancient-egypt.co.uk/cairo%20museum/cm,%20tutankhamun%20mask/pages/tut_article.htm

   http://www.eternalegypt.org:80/EternalEgyptWebsiteWeb/HomeServlet?ee_website_action_key=action.display.element&story_id=&module_id=&element_id=60325&language_id=1&ee_messages=0001.flashrequired.text

     

    http://allwomenstalk.com/wp-content/thumbs/39/341.jpg

 http://famewatcher.com/celebrity-gold-watches-brad-pitts-rolex-oyster-day-date-watch.html 

 http://www.summerweddingsideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/wedding-bands-ring-1.jpg 

http://www.depts.ttu.edu/communications/newsletter/images/07June/class-ring.jpg

http://www.timesnewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/2009-Lakers-NBA-Championship-ring-2.jpg