Paparazzi Ethnographer (that’s me!) bringing you the latest news of the not-so-famous, and today is no exception. Brought to you directly from the retirement party of UC Berkeley anthropologist Nelson Graburn is evidence of what can only be described as an academic celebrity pile-up.
But before we even go there, we need to introduce our latest discovery, the talented and stunningly straight forward jazz singer, Abby Diamond and her act, The Diamond Jim’s — Voilà!
Abby Diamond, Jazz Singer extraordinaire
The Diamond Jim’s
Guitarist Mark Coulter
“What a set of pipes,” is all that could be heard by anyone who dared to whisper aloud about Abbey’s vocals when the band started up.
Okay, let’s get back to business. Nelson Graburn, world renown arctic anthropologist, Inuit arts, inventor of the phrase fourth world (referring to indigenous modernity) and creator with his bear hands of an anthropology of tourism — is retiring. After 48 years, he’s decided to call it a day.
entering the mosh
Dr. Conkey
Dr. Habu
Let’s take a look at who came out to see the master off.
Uh-huh.
Oh my Lord, is that who I think it is? Meg Conkey, archaeologist extraordinaire (another one!) and Junko Habu, who actually worked in the Arctic for a bit, if I recall — no wait, she’s famous for Pacific Rim archaeology of Japan, on sabbatical last year, but back to the trenches.
Dr. Laura Nader and Nelson Graburn
Drs. Ferme, Pandolfo & Graburn
Laura Nader and Nelson Graburn, wow, two anthropological heavies in the same room and friends after all these years. Mariane Ferme of Sierra Leone ethnography fame, and Stephania Pandolfo. And all these folks have written books, multiple books.
Good grief. Science, what a Life!
Tomeko Wyrick
Kathy and Cecily Graburn
Tomeko Wyrick, btw, worked the room splendidly. She’s in charge of the Archaeological facility, or at the very least making sure things run smoothly, and she was in fabulous form. There they are! Kathy Graburn and the Song Bird, Cecily Graburn. Oh, pardon me, the Opera Singer. The first time I saw Cecily sing, I thought to myself, shhh, let’s listen – and then Boom! Her voice was so strong it practically shook the rafters apart. Cecily also plays and teaches violin.
Phew! That about does it for now. Congratulations Nelson!
Paparazzi Ethnography 
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