Anthropological Sciences

Photo: Martino Nicoletti

This program comprises the activities of researchers specialized in the ethnography of the Himalayas (Tibet - P. R.C., Nepal, Northern India, Pakistan) and adjacent areas.   The main ethnographic research trends concern religious anthropology, ethno-history, visual and aesthetic anthropology, theatrical anthropology, ethno-musicology and history of religions. A particular field of research is dedicated to Tibetan and Chinese philology.

Aside from theoretical surveys, this research area also pays special attention to direct interventions aimed at preserving local cultures and planning/assisting local development. The area thus encompasses both the activities of researchers from Italian and international scientific institutions and universities, as well as those of cooperation and development experts.

Without compromising the value and profile of research in this area, an inherent experimental vocation allows for useful exchanges to be developed with unusual fields like cinematography, documentary production, musical and theatrical production, video-arts and photography. Researchers in the Anthropology, Communication and Development area have produced several videos, some for widespread dissemination, others as scientific documentation, and still others as independent and experimental videos. Some examples can be downloaded in the Gallery section.