Participants with resource persons and others during the state level workshop on ethnography and visual documentation held from December 3 to 5. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, December 9 (MExN): A three-day state level workshop on ethnography and visual documentation under the theme ‘techniques of visual imagery’ was organized by the Department of Anthropology, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma from December 3 to 5.
A DIPR report stated that the workshop was sponsored by the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.
It was organized keeping in mind the need to educate and equip the younger generation with certain skill sets on the subject of ethnography and the various technical aspects related with visual documentation which is a vital part of ethnography.
According to the report, cultural heritage is a unique expression of human achievement and since this cultural heritage is continuously at risk, documentation is one of the principal ways available to give meaning, understanding, definition and recognition of the values of the cultural heritage.
Since the advent of modern photographic technology (still and moving), the use of visual methods for anthropological documentation and inquiry has been an integral part of the discipline. Visual anthropology, whether photographed, taped, filmed, or written, is a method of observation, but more important, it is a means for developing questions and analyzing data in all its subfields.
Ethnographic documentation is relevant because it focuses on investing in an effort to preserve cultures especially those in danger of disappearing.
The workshop aims at acquainting the participants with theory on visual ethnography and its methods as well as the practice of filmmaking and photography.
Dr I Anungla Aier (Rtd) Director, Higher Education in the keynote address stated that the strength of ethnography lies in the use of more than one method where photography, motion picture, sketches and art are used to capture the social realities of people. She stressed that ethnography and visual documentation can collaborate actively for the better transmission of knowledge and practical solution to modern social issues.
Prof Sibnath Deb, Director (RGNIYD), Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India delivered the inaugural address live from Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.
The resource persons for the workshop were Kivini Shohe (filmmaker), Sophy Lasuh Kesiezie (filmmaker), Kekhriezhazo Miachieo (freelance photographer and part time filmmaker) and Thejanguzo Titus Pienyü (freelance filmmaker and storyteller.)
The workshop was conducted putting much emphasis on the technical aspects of visual documentation and the resource persons delved into great details regarding a number of important subjects namely aspects of documentaries, visual ethnography, photography and cinematography.
The technical sessions were very educative and beneficial for the 62 participants, representing different colleges, universities and freelancers, who attended the workshop with great interest and actively participated in all the activities throughout the three day workshop. The entire workshop was monitored live from RGNIYD, Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.
On the third and final day of the workshop, respective group projects were screened and displayed in the last technical session. The workshop concluded with a valedictory session chaired by Kevilhuninuo Nagi, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology.
The valedictory address was delivered by Dr Vasanthi Rajendran, Professor Training, RGNIYD, live from Tamil Nadu and vote of thanks was delivered by Dr David Tetso, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology.
