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Paper Short Abstract

The sharing of the same sanctuaries by the faithful of different religions is under-represented in Art History. Visual Anthropology makes it possible to demonstrate it according to different principles of simultaneity, contiguity, alternation, succession, superimposition or conversion of spaces...

Paper Abstract

Over the last twenty years or so, the phenomenon of the faithful of different religions sharing the same shrines has become a branch of the Anthropology of Pilgrimages. Despite its contradictory, counter-intuitive or even surprising nature, it is in fact a fairly common phenomenon, including in the monotheistic spheres. However, it is under-represented - or even invisible - in Art History. To remedy this, Visual Anthropology is proving to be a relevant way of showing, through images (still or moving), these heterodox practices that generally contradict the prescriptions laid down by the religious authorities. I will present a number of strategies available to the visual anthropologist - from taking pictures to disseminating them - to bear witness to several types of interreligious sharing, based on different principles: simultaneity, contiguity, alternation or succession (before / after), superimposition or conversion of spaces, staging interfaith dialogue (poly-rituality), etc. My approach will be based on a selection of pictures showing spaces, pilgrims, rituals, religious markers, architectural elements, inscriptions, iconography, etc. The case studies will focus on pilgrimages in the Euro-Mediterranean world.