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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.