Representation/self-representation: A tale of two portraits; or, portraits and social science representations

Journal article

The problem of representation is profound for anthropology: how do representation and represented relate? What motivates or warrants bridges over the inevitable disconnection between the two? I suggest that photographs and portraits provide a rich basis for thinking about the particular sorts of warrant for anthropological representation. My most general suggestion is that anthropological representation may be conceived of as a form of portraiture, and that it is an exercise in ekphrasis (a verbal account or evocation of a typically non-present image or object). Portraits need social conventions (such as a name in the caption) to be taken as such; representation is a three-part relationship between object, image and society. Cases from Cameroonian studio photography and a portrait of Marilyn Strathern exemplify the argument. © Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Authors: Zeitlyn, D

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Routledge
• Journal: Visual Anthropology
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 398-426
• Publication date: 2010-01-01
• DOI: 10.1080/08949460903472978
• EISSN: 1545-5920
• ISSN: 0894-9468
• Language: English
• Keywords: representation; portraits
• Subjects: Anthropology; Photography and photographs