The open elective – Visual Ethnography – was an exploratory course encompassing the study of individuals in a society, and the objects that the individuals use. My area of study was the material culture of the Banjara community residing in Dholakuva. After doing a preliminary field study at the village and understanding their environment, I was given the opportunity to enter their homes and personal spaces. I focused on the jewellery worn by the women because it is very characteristic of their tribe.
Conversations with all age groups and both genders, led to many insightful observations. After intense interaction with the locals, they became informal. Browsing through family albums led to deeper discoveries. The ethnography was recorded through notes, photographs and drawings.
click to enlarge photographs taken for ethnography
