Introduction

Since the nineteenth century, photographers have recorded customs, dress, places, work, and leisure activities. These photographs are a rich source for the study of folklore. However, they also raise important methodological problems. In this seminar, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of photographs as a source for the study of folklore.

Seminar Question

What are the advantages and disadvantages of photographs as a source for the study of folklore?

Required Reading and Viewing

• Each of you should read both of these items:

Kalantzis, Konstantinos, Tradition in the Frame: Photography, Power, and Imagination in Sfakia, CreteLink opens in a new window (Bloomington, IN, 2019), pp. 1-20.

Robinson, Andrew, 'Photographic Surveys of Calendar Customs: Preserving Identity in Times of Change' in Folklore and Nation in Britain and IrelandLink opens in a new window, ed. Matthew Cheeseman and Carina Hart (London, 2022), 163-189.

• Each of you should choose and analyse one photograph from one of these collections:

The Benjamin Stone CollectionLink opens in a new window

Carlos González XiménezLink opens in a new window

dúchas.ie, The Photographic CollectionLink opens in a new window [This collection includes photographs from many European countries. They can be searched by clicking 'Countries' on the sidebar]

Ivan Honchar Museum, Kyiv, UkraineLink opens in a new window

Masked Traditions Link opens in a new window

National Musuems Northern Ireland (Photographic Collections)Link opens in a new window

Traditional Polish Folk Costumes in PhotographyLink opens in a new window

• How can the arguments of Kalantzis and Robinson be applied to your photograph?

Further Reading

Bourne, Henry, Arcadia Britannica: A Modern British Folklore PortraitLink opens in a new window, preface by Robin Muir and introduction by Simon Costin (London, 2015)

Burke, Peter, Eyewitnessing: The Uses of Images as Historical EvidenceLink opens in a new window (Ithaca, N.Y., 2001)

Caraffa, Costanza, and Tiziana Serena, eds, Photo Archives and the Idea of NationLink opens in a new window (Amsterdam, 2014)

Edwards, Elizabeth, 'Photography and the Material Performance of the PastLink opens in a new window', History and Theory 48 (2009), 130-150

Hannant, Sara, Mummers, Maypoles and Milkmaids: A Journey through the English Ritual YearLink opens in a new window (London, 2011)

Electronic Resources

The Benjamin Stone CollectionLink opens in a new window

Carlos González Ximénez: Cazador de Máscaras/Mask HunterLink opens in a new window

dúchas.ie, The Photographic CollectionLink opens in a new window

Folkloric PhotographyLink opens in a new windoLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

See also the resources here.