Fancello, Sandra

From the violence of the imagination to the violence of images. The anthropologist tested by witchcraft - 2018.


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‪The anthropologist, confronted with the violence of the war against witchcraft which, in parts of the African continent, has taken a dramatic turn, experiences his/her position as observer challenged by certain forms of extreme violence. Taking photographic images and film that exhibit this violence and the dissemination and circulation of the same raise new ethical and methodological debates including the issue of the meaning of the anthropologist’s presence and responsibility. This article  discusses the impact of verbal and social violence generated by witchcraft accusations on anthropological research in the field of contemporary religion. It also aims to take into account the ethical dimensions of professional anthropology.‪