Gwendoline Torterat

Gwendoline Torterat is a Lecturer in anthropology at the University of Picardie Jules Verne, where she teaches within the Faculty of Human, Social Sciences and Philosophy. She is a researcher with UR 4287 Habiter le Monde and an associate member of UMR 8068 TEMPS in Nanterre. Her academic career focuses on the anthropology of archaeological practices, with particular attention to visual methodologies and gender dynamics within scientific institutions.

Dr. Torterat's research centers on the dynamics of archaeological work, especially in prehistory, examining how value systems emerge from archaeological practices and how notions of risk shape heritage preservation. Her fieldwork spans France, where she has conducted research for over twelve years, and the Near East (Israel and Palestine), focusing on sites with some of the world's oldest prehistoric habitation evidence. She employs a controversial approach to reveal how understanding prehistoric heritage requires detailed analysis of long-term actor interactions across diverse political contexts.

Her methodological innovation lies in filmic anthropology, developed through her training in the Master's program in Anthropological Cinema and Documentary at Paris Nanterre University. This approach informs both her research and her documentary filmmaking, including works like 'Madame Poulain' (2021) and 'Prendre l'Air' (2023), which have received awards at archaeological film festivals.

Torterat's scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with visual anthropology methods, archaeological fieldwork practices, and the institutional history of archaeology. Her recent publications show increasing focus on gender dimensions within scientific practices and the development of visual methodologies for documenting archaeological work.

• 2024: Jury Prize, Special Mention at Les archéologues aussi Festival for documentary 'Prendre l'air'
• 2023: Winner for photograph #399 in 'La Preuve par l'Image' competition (CNRS)
• 2023: Winner for photograph 'Thérèse Poulain' in Île de France Region competition
• 2022: Jury Prize, Special Mention for 'Mémoire de pionniers' for documentary 'Madame Poulain'

As an active researcher and filmmaker, Torterat bridges academic anthropology with visual media production. Her work with UR 4287 Habiter le Monde focuses on archaeological practices and heritage dynamics, while her association with UMR 8068 TEMPS connects her to broader theoretical frameworks in time studies and historical anthropology. Her recent documentary work has expanded her scholarly impact beyond traditional academic channels into public engagement with archaeological practices.