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CULTURE AS IDENTITY AMONG DORZE WOMEN [Abstract ID: 1203-03]
The aim of ethnographic film is to preserve the intangible culture of the people. In ethnographic research, the use of a pen or pencil is mostly practiced, but with the advancement of visual anthropology, ethnographic research has gained more impetus to describe the culture of the people. The present ethnographic film portrays the Dorze culture in general and of women in particular. It shows the sequence of events that are practiced by the people as part of their cultural norm. The events recorded describe the interactions of the people from their perspective. The Dorze people belong to one of the Omotic groups in the south-west of Ethiopia. They are a hard working group, renowned for their skill in weaving, bamboo carpentry and other traditional crafts. The women are involved in many skilful activities and support their families. They impart their indigenous knowledge in the preparation of kocho bread. The traditional birth attendant is actively involved in attending pregnant women and offer specialized assistance to the parturient. Most significantly, birth is considered a cultural production, which generates an enduring interest among anthropologists of reproduction in the cultural shaping of biomedical obstetrics.