Transhumance from Past to Future | Lecture

Prof. Laura Carnevale will present Transhumance from Past to Future: Shepherds’ Devotional Traditions and Places of Worship in Southern Italy from Roman Age to the 21st Century.

Human and animal interactions are not only a natural phenomenon but they are also a cultural one. Such interactions can exert a triggering impact on historical events, as well as on urban-rural connections and religious activities. Transhumance is a special type of human-animal interaction, as it implies the seasonal movement of livestock from/to different pastures. Typically, transhumant shepherds have a special relation with animals, not only cattle or flock, but also dogs, horses, donkeys and even wild beasts, like wolves or snakes. The role of transhumance in providing ecosystem services and contributing to biodiversity has been crucial in history, starting from the Bronze Age until nowadays. Throughout the Mediterranean, it supports peripheral economy, structures the landscape, involves deep knowledge about the natural environment and the cultural heritage.

During this talk we will encounter places of worship that grew into important centres of pilgrimage, having begun their history as meeting points for transhumant shepherds, who gathered there with their livestock in a devotional attitude. Such spaces became hubs for shared experiences for people and animals through participation in, and engagement with, performative practices, narratives, traditions, and symbols. The talk addresses specifically some historical and religious data related to the sanctuary of St. Matthew the Apostle (Mount Gargano, Apulia, Italy).

Free with registration.