Vortrag in englischer Sprache!
Visual Anthropologies of Vodou: A Brief History.
For many, the first encounter with Haitian Vodou is frequently mediated through visual culture—films, paintings, and other media—which often frame Vodou in sensationalised or misleading ways. Popular imagery oscillates between fantastical depictions, associations with the occult, and portrayals of Vodou as a collection of mysterious, vestigial African traditions. Such representations have generated both fascination and fear, shaping public understanding in ways that obscure the complex realities of Vodou as a lived religious and cultural practice.
This lecture examines the visual representations of Haitian Vodou produced by anthropologists from the early 1900s, tracing how these images have contributed to, challenged, or complicated dominant narratives. Through analysis of various visual documents, including field ethnographic photographs, documentary films, and sketches, the discussion considers how anthropological perspectives have intersected with broader trends in visual culture. Participants are invited to reflect on the influence of images in shaping perceptions of Vodou and the responsibilities inherent in representing spiritual practices across cultures.
