Photography and Tradition
Gathering of Amish People, 2017
A moment is created, and
it yields to being remembered by those who where there and those how where not when
photography is used to document a person or an event. Typically, photography is
used for families to recall those memories when a loved one is shown. However,
photography can also document cultural tradition like in West Africa to be more
specific in Ila-Orangun. In Ila-Orangun the culture of the Yoruba takes
photographs to showcase their status in their cultural. Stephen F. Sparague explain
in “Yoruba Photography” the how the Yoruba uses the art from of photography for
cultural and in religious ways. It a medium
to display their role in but it also offers an insight in what is important to
them. The poses are what make the photograph identify as a Yoruba, “the subject
always wears his best traditional dress and site squarely facing the camera,
both hands are placed on the lap or on the knees, and the legs are well apart
to spread the garment and display the fabric.” 1 Photography plays an intensive
part of the cultural because each town has their own photographer who wanted to
use their craft in the means of their clients. Photography also plays a role
into the economy of culture, and it also plays a role in the advance of technology.
The Yoruba have been a part of urbanization which lead them to adopt the photography
in place of wooden statues.
However, it is not without limitations on what can be photographed. There are restrictions to what can be captured in the Yoruba culture even though photography influences their culture and that involves: ritual objects, masquerades, and ceremonies. Each culture has their own taboos and should be respected by those who are outside of those norms. But it does not stop the documentation side of photography.
Having taboos ties into how photography has no place to not be presented in a cultural setting. This can be seen with the Amish in the United States. It is against their religion to pose for pictures. This is because it against their Second Commandment. The Amish having their picture taken with purpose of having it taken because it falls under graven images. Since the Amish do not have their picture taken there is no reason for any photograph be displayed. Sparague speaks about graven images and the lack of integrating photography into a culture by using the cultural group of the Hausa. Unlike the Yoruba culture the Amish and the Hausa do not rely heavily in modern technology which is why photography can be taboo to their culture since it does have outside influences that may not match the cultural standing of these cultures.
However, it is not without limitations on what can be photographed. There are restrictions to what can be captured in the Yoruba culture even though photography influences their culture and that involves: ritual objects, masquerades, and ceremonies. Each culture has their own taboos and should be respected by those who are outside of those norms. But it does not stop the documentation side of photography.
Having taboos ties into how photography has no place to not be presented in a cultural setting. This can be seen with the Amish in the United States. It is against their religion to pose for pictures. This is because it against their Second Commandment. The Amish having their picture taken with purpose of having it taken because it falls under graven images. Since the Amish do not have their picture taken there is no reason for any photograph be displayed. Sparague speaks about graven images and the lack of integrating photography into a culture by using the cultural group of the Hausa. Unlike the Yoruba culture the Amish and the Hausa do not rely heavily in modern technology which is why photography can be taboo to their culture since it does have outside influences that may not match the cultural standing of these cultures.
Bibliography
“The Amish and Photgraphy | American Experience | PBS.” n.d. Www.pbs.org. Accessed September 30, 2021. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/amish-photgraphy/.
“The Amish and Photgraphy | American Experience | PBS.” n.d. Www.pbs.org. Accessed September 30, 2021. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/amish-photgraphy/.
You make a good point, that culture influences the use of medium. For cultures that don't use iconography regularly photography being a taboo directly translates from preexisting cultural norms. It is interesting to think how much variety in cultural practices there are.
ReplyDeleteI love that you chose the Amish to highlight this weeks topic. They always seem to be forgotten even though they live amongst us. It's interesting to see how the different Abrahamic traditions translate the commandment about iconography. Some of them have made concessions in the name of progress while others, like the Amish, have kept it literal. The Amish have always fascinating me because they are so private that it's almost secretive. I wonder how they feel about photographers sneaking photos? It seems rude. How do you feel about taking pictures against the wish of the people in order to learn more about them?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. You included a lot of information, especially from this week's reading which gives you a good stand point and advantage. I even agree with you on your personal opinions, and it gave me more to think about after reading your blog. Great job!
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