Integrating ethnographic research and filmmaking: Video elicitation for a performance-oriented analysis of the Teyyam ritual

Ever since video elicitation became feasible as a research tool, in the mid-seventies, it has been applied in numerous research projects. So far, the technique has mainly been used to enhance anthropologists' understanding of complex events. Conducting feedback research with the ethnographic vi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Visual anthropology (Journal) 2000-01, Vol.13 (2), p.185-197
Main Author: de Maaker, Erik
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anthropological research
Ethnographic research
Hindus
Modelling
Religious practice
Research methods
Ritual
Videos
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Summary:Ever since video elicitation became feasible as a research tool, in the mid-seventies, it has been applied in numerous research projects. So far, the technique has mainly been used to enhance anthropologists' understanding of complex events. Conducting feedback research with the ethnographic video film Teyyam, The Annual Visit of the God Vishnumurti, an attempt has been made to go beyond such an application. Screening this film for the very people whose Teyyam ritual it shows, the endeavor has been to explore how the technique can be used for participants to scrutinize the anthropologists' "model" of their ritual. This not only resulted in the voicing of diverse opinions concerning the construction of the film as a whole, but also led to extensive discussions regarding often hitherto hardly noticed events.
ISSN:0894-9468
1545-5920
DOI:10.1080/08949468.2000.9966797