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Silent testimonies in ethnographic research

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Posted on 2023-10-13 in
Emilio Andueza. Lakuntza. Egilea: Josu Larrinaga Zugadi.

Emilio Andueza. Lakuntza. Photo credit: Josu Larrinaga Zugadi.

Any research into the traditional culture using the methodological groundwork of social and humanistic disciplines pivots on data sources (written, images, observations and oral information). Obviously, oral data need people and their testimony, whose stubborn regularity allows the researcher to use complex qualitative analysis to reach scholarly conclusions. Invaluable collective scholarly knowledge that can address such a wide range of areas as festive celebrations, dances, music, singing, musical instrument, apparel, culinary heritage, rituals, trades or work, etc.

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Festivals and customs: the logic behind the myth

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Posted on 2017-01-27 in
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Bonfire Night in Labastida, 2015. José Ángel Chasco.

I would like to make a reflection and express a point of criticism regarding the stubbornness of some ethnographers to develop complicated interpretations and mythological studies about the origin and meaning of certain festivals and customs. They make assertions that go against all logic and common sense. Refusing to see reality as it is, ancestral origins and esoteric meanings are claimed. They construct picturesque, fictitious and fantastic theories and hypotheses that can only be the result of a lack of good sense and an unreasonable use of works such as The golden bough: a study in magic and religion by J. G. Frazer or Fiestas populares e insólitas [Extraordinary popular celebrations] by Juan G. Atienza. (more…)

Pío Caro Baroja. In memoriam

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Posted on 2016-01-15 in
Pío Caro Baroja before a portrait of his brother Julio. Taken from Euskonews

Pío Caro Baroja before a portrait of his brother Julio. Taken from Euskonews.

It was not long ago that Pío Caro Baroja passed away in his Málaga home. Guardian of the family memory and Itzea, the property acquired by his uncle Pío in 1912, he devoted himself to documentary making. He also turned to writing and editing works of diverse nature. (more…)

Carrito

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