Portrait Photography as a Visual Repository of Vernacular Memory: Interplay of Memory, Identity and Culture

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a notable surge in archaeological research spanning the spectrum from historical archaeology to contemporary archaeology, with a particular focus on the multifaceted theme of human identity. This theme shares a profound resonance with the role of portrait photography as a medium for memory preservation, intricately weaving together the threads of identity, memory, and culture in our comprehension of both historical and contemporary contexts.This research employs a visual culture approach to photography, transcending conventional analytical frameworks to delve into how photographs dynamically shape the broader cultural, social, and political landscapes. It scrutinizes the processes through which photographs construct meaning, wield influence over public perception, and actively participate in the complex terrain of identity formation and narrative construction.The findings from this investigation underscore the evolving role of photography, transcending its traditional function of memory preservation to emerge as a potent tool for the construction and communication of identity. Furthermore, it emphasizes the inherently interdisciplinary nature of memory studies, forging robust connections across the domains of archaeology, historical anthropology, and photography research, thereby enriching our nuanced understanding of the interwoven facets of memory, identity, and culture.