Crossing Histories and Ethnographies: Following Colonial Historicities in Timor-Leste

Anthropologists and historians are reevaluating the disciplinary boundaries between their fields, proposing a method for mutually productive crossings between historical and ethnographic research. The essays critically engage with the colonial pasts of indigenous societies and explore how fieldwork and archival studies together lead to fruitful insights into the making of different colonial historicities, using Timor-Lestes as a compelling case study.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 372 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

The question that looms large for many anthropologists and historians today goes beyond simply crossing the boundaries between their respective fields. It revolves around the notion of whether the concept of disciplinary boundaries should be upheld. In this collection of essays, the authors seek to reexamine the intricate interplay between archives and the field, proposing a framework for mutually beneficial crossings between historical and ethnographic research. By critically engaging with the colonial pasts of indigenous societies, the essays explore how fieldwork and archival studies can complement each other, yielding insightful perspectives on the creation of diverse colonial historicities.

One particularly compelling case study is the exploration of Timor-Leste's exceptionally long and distinctive colonial history. Through this lens, the authors argue that the boundaries between historical and ethnographic research are not rigid, but rather can be blurred in order to gain a deeper understanding of the past.

The essays in this collection offer valuable insights into the complexities of interdisciplinary research, challenging traditional notions of academic specialization and promoting a more holistic approach to understanding the past. By exploring the intersections between archives and the field, the authors demonstrate how historical and ethnographic research can be combined to shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of colonialism and its enduring impacts on societies.

In conclusion, this collection of essays provides a thought-provoking exploration of the boundaries between historical and ethnographic research. By challenging the notion of disciplinary boundaries and promoting fruitful crossings between these fields, the authors offer a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue about the past and its significance in shaping our present.

ISBN-13: 9781805391142