Original scientific paper

History and Future of Visual Anthropology

Nikša Sviličić

Abstract

Visual recording of communication processes between communities or individuals by means of filming of photographing
is of significant importance in anthropology, as it documents on site the specific features of various social communities
in their encounter with the researcher. In terms of film industry, it is a sort of ethno-documentary pursuing
originality and objectivity in recording the given subject, thus fulfilling the research mission. However, the potential of
visual anthropology significantly exceeds the mere audiovisual recording of ethnologic realities. Modern methods of
analysing and evaluating the role of visual anthropology suggest that it is a technical research service aimed at documenting
the status quo. If the direction of proactive approach were taken, then the term »visual anthropology« could be
changed to »anthropology of the visual«. This apparently cosmetic change of name is actually significantly more accurate,
suggesting the denoted proactive swift in perceiving visual anthropology, where visual methods are employed to
»provoke« the reaction of an individual or of the community. In this way the »anthropology of the visual« is promoted to a
new scientific sub-anthropological discipline.

Keywords

visual anthropology; anthropology; filming; documentary; ethno-documentary sub-anthropological; visual methods; history of visual anthropology; developement of the visual anthropology

Hrčak ID:

64782

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/64782

Publication date:

7.3.2011.

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