by Freek Colombijn and Marjo de Theije – Renowned anthropologist James (Jim) Ferguson passed away on 14 February 2025 at 65. He obtained his PhD in Social Anthropology at Harvard University, worked for the University…
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By Emma Arnold – We always visit my father’s grave on important days—his birthday, Christmas, and my parents’ wedding anniversary. It is a ritual: my mother, sister, and I walk up the hill to visit…
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By Robert Cornelis – It’s one of the first warm days in May, and I am slightly thrown off by how lush and green my hometown appears. In my memories of Diemen, it was a…
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By Hannan van Rooij – In 2022, with a group of friends I was planning to participate in the Mongol Rally. This is a contest where people drive from Londen to Ulaanbaatar in the most…
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By Fridus Steijlen – In Ambon, Fridus Steijlen observed Taman Paskah, public religious displays commemorating Easter, with symbolic crosses and caves. These were contrasted with secular Christmas decorations, subtly blending Christian and local traditions. As Easter approaches, religious symbols replace Christmas ones, reflecting the community’s deep Christian faith and the social significance of these holidays.
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By Peter Versteeg – Have you ever wondered why something happened to you? I hope you haven’t because this question often arises when people are faced with something really serious, such as a severe illness or a traumatic event. But what is the nature of this “why” question? Does it seek a philosophical answer or is it an emotional outburst that cannot be answered?
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By Dilara Yentür – At 04:17 on February 6th, 2023, an earthquake ravaged the lands of southern Turkey and northern Syria. Buildings crumbled like sandcastles, roads tore apart, and the silence of the night was…
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By Luciana Massaro – Writing ethnography can be an intimidating experience. As anthropologists we face the challenge to write and interpret what research participants share with us in a way that respects their points of…
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By Maaike Matelski – On 8 December 2022, Nickey Diamond visited the VU for two lectures. Nickey is an activist from Myanmar who recently started a PhD in Anthropology at the University of Konstanz, where…
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