THE QUESTION OF VISUAL SOURCES IN ETHNOLOGY

Abstract

The author first lays out theree principal meanings of the term visual sources and gives estimation of their validity. The objectivity of visual sources is then discussed. Follwing the discussion of objectivity, a typology of visual recordings is offered. The author zhen discusses the use of visual recordings in ethnological investigation. Preparatory procedures in the cases of using both visual sources made for purposes of the inquiry and those made for other purposes are stated. The applicability of different types of visual sources in both positivistic and interpretative approaches to ethnological investigation is then assessed. Main methods of analysis of visual data in both approaches are mentionned, using the TV ethnographic documentary as en example.

The author concludes the text with the statement that visual sources equal other ethnological sources in providing information, but should not be considered self-sufficient.