Itako on screen: the use of visual ethnography for understanding how these Japanese shamans are adapting to social change
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Published Version
Date
2019
Authors
Vecchi, Ilaria
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ISASR in association with the Study of Religions, University College Cork/Journal of the British Association for the Study of Religions
Published Version
Abstract
This article is based on my fieldwork with Itako shamans in the north-eastern part of Japan. The progressive modernisation of Japan at the expense of rural areas has also affected Tohoku, resulting in the ageing of the social fabric of its communities. Within this context, this article focusses on traditional and established activitiespractised by the blind female Itakoshamans, who are going through a process of adaptation. Therefore, the article is concerned with this process and,in particular, on the methodology applied before and during my fieldwork experience of spending time, observing, having conversations, and filming these women in their everyday life. In the attempt to understand and document these shamans, I consider the use of visual ethnographic methods for understanding the changing aspects and their implications on the life of these women. While doing this, I also considered their communities and the area in which they live. I analyse this process by blending different methodologies such as visual methodology and digital visual ethnography and the critical religion approach proposed by Fitzgerald (2000). In addition, the paper will describe how I applied this methodology to provide a fresh look at these women and their daily activity
Description
Joint JISASR-JBASR Special Issue
Keywords
Itako , Shaman , Visual ethnography , Japan , Critical religion , Representation , Orientalism
Citation
Vecchi, I. (2019) 'Itako on screen: the use of visual ethnography for understanding how these Japanese shamans are adapting to social change', Journal of the British Association for the Study of Religions, 21, pp. 76-91.