Often misunderstood as exotic and primitive, shamanism and its practitioners—the shamans—are actually part of a complex network of relationships between the earthly and invisible realms, acting as an invisible bond in the societies where they are practiced. The focus will be on ritual attire and drums used in cultures where shamanism is still present, including Siberia and Mongolia.

The talk, led by anthropologist Lia Zola (UniTo), will take place on Friday, February 21, at 7 PM at the Merz Foundation. Free entry, but registration is required at edu@fondazionemerz.org.

This event is part of World Anthropology Day and one of the initiatives of the Education Department for this year’s Academy of Light, the public program accompanying the Luci d’Artista public art collection, exploring themes from Luigi Ontani’s Scia’mano.