KSC Seminar Series: Between Commerce and Animism: The Semelai of Malaysia
Presented by Dr. Rosemary Gianno, Emerita, Anthropology: Peninsular Malaysia forms one side of the Strait of Malacca, the busiest shipping lane in the world. The Semelai are one of the eighteen Orang Asli (indigenous peoples) of Peninsular Malaysia. There are about 10,000 Semelai today but when I first went to learn about their forest product collecting and trade in 1980, there were only about 3,000. I will discuss aspects of Semelai soul-flight shamanism and attempt to place Semelai in their historical context, living in a lush tropical rainforest in proximity to the maritime Silk Road. Location subject to change depending on COVID conditions--contact larnold@keene.edu to confirm location.
To request accommodations for a disability, please contact the coordinator at least two weeks prior to the event.
