Wandering Shepherds. New and Old Transhumances in Sardinia and Sicily

Abstract

In Sicily transhumance is still today - even if resized - a practice in which copious shepherds have to turn to, while in Sardinia pastoral mobility disappeared in the 1970s of the last century – however short-range movements remain still active. After outlining a brief historical framework of transhumance in the two islands, the speech would like to reflect on how the traits of history and identity of this practice are starting to change into a new cultural and economic resource, aimed at the safeguard and the valorization of an important material and immaterial heritage and at the promotion of experiential and sustainable forms of tourism.