Powering popular conceptions: The !Kung in the Marshall family expedition films of the 1950s |
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| Authors: | Keyan G Tomaselli John P Homiak |
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| Institution: | 1. Director and Professor, Programme in Cultural and Media Studies , University of Natal , Durban;2. Director of the National Anthropological Archives and Human Studies Film Archives , Smithonsian Institution , Washington, DC |
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| Abstract: | The paper develops a theoretical framework for the study of ethnographic film out‐takes in relation to material that is included in released ethnographic film, in this case, the films by John Marshall on the Kalahari San. The significance of what is included in relation to that which is excluded is called the theory of structured absences. This theory is then applied to the study of the 700,000 feet of 16 mm out‐takes not used by Marshall in his released films on the Ju/'hoansi. The difficulties of analysing archival film are discussed, and issues of representation in relation to exposed footage, released films, and the director's own theory of documentary, are critically examined. The anthropological significance of Marshall's filmic contribution on the Kalahari San is assessed. |
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