An Italian photographer travels to the Andes of Peru to find Curanderos and document their practices. Do you believe in shamans?
Diana Bagnoli went to Taquile Island on Titicaca Laka, Ausangate Mountain ( 4600m above sea level) to the Mayantuyacu centre in the Amazonian forest to look for an authentic shaman. It was hard to find them because nowadays most of them are touristy shamans and they do not follow the right rituals. “Today, the figure of the Curandero is far less widespread because it is no longer recognised in society' says Bagnoli to the Daily Mail.
Why are shamans so mystical and popular in Peru? They are considered a bridge between two worlds, the physical world and the spiritual world. People in Peru rely on Shamans to solve their problems as they believe that through their magic, rituals and spiritual visions they can influence reality.
Bagnoli, attended the the Qoyllur Ritíi festival, also known as Peru's Snow StartFestival, which is a big event held on Sinakara Mountain. It is a celebration that combines the Catholic, Incan, and other indigenous beliefs. It attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims from the surrounding regions. You can expect to find dancers in multi-layered skirts and musicians with drums and flutes performing during the three-day festival.
Diana Bagnoli’s full gallery of her trip (Video: Youtube/ Barcroft Tv)
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