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Human Studies Film Archives
Film of a famadihana, 1963
Summary
- Collection ID:
- HSFA.2001.06
- Creators:
-
Archdeacon, Sarajane
- Dates:
-
1963
- Languages:
-
Undetermined.
- Physical Description:
-
1 Film reel23 minutescolor sound; 400 feet16mm
- Repository:
Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents
Footage of a Famadihana (also known as "digging up the dead" ceremony) is an exhumation ceremony to honor ancestors. This famadihana was performed by the Malgache people of Madagascar. The body of an ancestor is exhumed, re-wrapped in burial cloths and re-buried. The extended family celebrates with a feast. The film has a sound track narration recorded by filmmaker, Sarajane Archdeacon.
Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or Anthropology Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.
Administration
Sponsor
Preservation of this film was supported by the National Film Preservation Foundation. Cataloging supported by Smithsonian Institution Women's Committee
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Received from Sarajane Archdeacon in 2001.
Custodial History
Previously titled "Digging up the Dead in Madagascar."
Digital Content
Using the Collection
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research. Please contact the archives for information on availability of access copies of audiovisual recordings. Original audiovisual material in the Human Studies Film Archives may not be played.
Conditions Governing Use
Contact the repository for terms of use.
Preferred Citation
Film of a famadihana, Human Studies Film Archives, Smithsonian Institution
More Information
Local Numbers
Local Numbers
HSFA 2001.6.1
Keywords
Keyword Terms | Keyword Types | ||
---|---|---|---|
Madagascar | Geographic | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Africa | Geographic | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Rites and ceremonies | Topical | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Festivals | Topical | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Sound films | Genre Form | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Human Studies Film Archives
Museum Support Center
4210 Silver Hill Road
Suitland 20746
Business Number: Phone: 301-238-1330
Fax Number: Fax: 301-238-2883
hsfa@si.edu