Sonic Ethnography: Identity, Heritage and Creative Research Practice in Basilicata, Southern Italy

(Paperback)

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Through a combination of text, colour photographs and sound recordings, Sonic ethnography explores the role of sound in the performance of local identities in the southern Italian region of Basilicata. The book makes a compelling argument for taking sound seriously as a crucial component of social life and as an ethnographic form of representation. -- .

Reviews

'This multi-layered, long-term ethnographic research was conducted through intimate musical knowledge and participation with the study communities and focuses on the relationship of sound structure to social structure. A unique methodological approach to studying ritual, festival, and symbolic behavior is the introduction of listening as a methodology, which might appear simplistic but is not. Using listening as methodology includes searching for patterns and mechanisms of sound; that is, sound recognized as marking ritual space and organizing action. This publication presents valuable alternatives in the use of still photography with text and sound by showing us a variety of design in this text As Craig Campbell stated in his recommendation letter, this makes it a rich, innovative source for teaching Visual Anthropology. This publication effectively combines excellence in the use of still photography integrating the photos beautifully in relationship to sound and text.'
Judging panel, John Collier Jr. Award for Still Photography

'This is a sublime and exhilarating work. Its multi-faceted, multi-media approach is truly breathtaking; the photography itself conveys sound just as much as the text and sound files do.'
Judging panel, 2021 ICTM Book Prize

'The sensory submersion into cultural practice has the effect of bringing the audience in as participants; a truly successful way of imparting knowledge and experience.'
Judging panel, 2021 ICTM Book Prize

'Their thoughtful reflections on methodology and theoretical musings provide a wealth of insights on cultural politics, heritage policies, arts practice research, creative interventions, and photography in anthropology.'
Judging panel, 2021 ICTM Book Prize

Author Bio

Lorenzo Ferrarini is a Lecturer in Visual Anthropology at the University of Manchester

Nicola Scaldaferri is Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology at the University of Milan