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1 December 2022
1In this issue of Varia, we present researchers and their singular approaches that remind us of various perspectives, methods and fields of study in visual anthropology.
2The first three articles reveal tensions between modernity and tradition in Mali and Burkina Faso. Anne Fournier offers a precise, rigorous and meticulous analysis of a divination session among the Semé. At the same time, Sidylamine Bagayoko analyses the practice of traditional marriage in Banamba, a heritage institution of the region. By situating this work in an eminently sensitive context, we discover the tensions between traditional values and "globalisation", to use the term employed by Sidylamine, who reveals the economic pressures that emerge with the presence of sponsors or commercial partners.
3Daniela Vavrova compares the methods used both in visual anthropology and in the practice of martial arts. This original comparison reconsiders our relationship to knowledge production to explore new pedagogical approaches and proper creative processes that invite us to re-examine our involvement in the field and the place of creation in all knowledge production processes.
4One of the strengths of anthropology is its renewable capacity to invite researchers to self-analyse their practice. Thus, with Maja Tabea Jerrentrup, we explore a personal approach to the staging of Indian women who, in some way, re-enact the imaginaries associated with these clichés. Maja unveils practices that repair trauma and loss from the personal context of these women, and while pursuing her interpretive approach, questions the very motives that animate these models. She suggests seeing it as a form of creativity in the context of cultural appropriation.
5Faced with the presence of the mafia in Sicily, Toni de Broomhead offers insight into the complex universe of Sicilian society, where the various actors are united in a social consensus. How Cosa Nostra have a specific cultural dimension that facilitates the loss of reference points for the population? The author reveals the actions undertaken by the anti-mafia groups that aim to reconsider the values implicit in the mafia and that they should fight.
6Through these articles, visual anthropology and the diversity of methods and fields invite us to take a critical look at the world while asking us to affirm our creativity.
7In this spirit, the new Moesgard Museum in Denmark proposes several rooms dedicated to research and experimentation to be as close as possible to visitors' expectations and respond to the social issues we face. Andrew Irving underlines this objective by presenting the two exhibitions in this space: Time Travelers and The Time of the Dead.
8How to take advantage of a crisis? Matjaz Pinter answers this question by reminding us how GIEFF became an online event where thousands of people could access the selection of films and how this enabled us to change our relationship with the festival but also allowed greater accessibility. Without a doubt, the hybrid formula remains the best option because nothing can replace the emotion shared in a cinema hall.
9With this last Varia, we can appreciate how rich our discipline is in its diversity and willingness to respond to contemporary issues, inviting us to mobilise our creativity when confronted with the challenges we are collectively facing.
References
Electronic reference
Nadine Wanono, “Editorial”, Anthrovision [Online], Vol. 9.1 | 2021, Online since 13 December 2022, connection on 31 March 2023. URL: http://journals.openedition.org/anthrovision/9076; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4000/anthrovision.9076
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