In and Out of Africa and Video Cannibalism

This morning I watched two more ethnographic films, In and Out of Africa and Video Cannibalism.

I enjoyed both, as they each had their own framework focusing on two very distinct non-Westernized cultures. In and Out of Africa analyzed the art market of the Hausa tribe and the dynamics of trade between Africa and Western countries. By the end of the film, you understand the values and distinctions of art to different cultures, and how artists can use those values to their benefit, even if it is not considered "authentic." For example, African artists know that Westerners like "authentic" African art, so they age the wood they use to make it seem like it could be old and used for ceremonial purposes. In fact, the wood is brand new, and is made that way to both support the African economy and appease Western taste. However, to Africans, money doesn't seem to be the single desire to their fortune. As described, children are the most important thing to them. In my own opinion, their art may at one time been a form of cultural and artistic expression, reflective of their ceremonial practices as well as the colonialism that has taken over the entire continent. Because Westerners have become exposed to their culture through colonialism, they are able to connect and consume said culture through art. The Africans are able to take back from these Westerners what their ancestors took from them, and market this art to their taste in order to support their children.

Video Cannibalism was a direct study of visuals in the isolated village of the Enauene-Naue Indians. In a culture where sexuality is not stigmatized, these villagers, especially the men, were not afraid to play around with the camera and show off their genitalia. The women, however, were much more embarrassed of being seen on camera without clothes on. This was interesting, considering that was the norm of their culture. Perhaps they knew people not associated with their culture would be viewing this video? Or as the video put it, they were afraid that when the video would be seen later that evening in the tribe, the men would make fun of them. I find it very interesting that the element of the image would create this kind of torment, whereas reality would not bring this about. Their detachment from the outside world becomes apparent when they view what I think was "Dances with Wolves", given it was a Kevin Costner film. They didn't realize the film was being acted out, believing that the Indians murdered in the scenes were actually being killed. This gives them the inspiration to create their own battle scene, that in which they basically direct themselves. Given this was their first attempt at expressing themselves on camera "in character." they do a fantastic job even though there is still a level of reflexivity. This video shows that even in the most remote of villages where technology has yet to grace, electronic media still has similar psychological effects that it does on those who are socialized in a visual culture.