Magic 107.7 Live Concert Last night, I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Magic 107.7 Live Concert, and it was an absolutely incredible experience. From start to finish, the concert was filled with electrifying performances and unforgettable moments that left the crowd in awe. The concert took place at a stunning outdoor venue, and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. As the sun began to set, the excitement in the air was palpable.
Supernatural: an anthropologist’s account of witchcraft, shamans and magic
The frost-bitten tundra cultures of northern Siberia may not seem to have much to do with those of Mozambique, but put the two side-by-side and there are surprising similarities. Magic and the power of the supernatural play a key role in both cultures, as they do across most societies, says anthropology professor and department chair John Ziker.
“I started fieldwork in Siberia in 1992. In the community where I lived for three years, there are people with reputations for having supernatural powers,” he said. “Some of these people are formally recognized as shamans, some are descended from shamans.”
The shamans he described in this tundra culture traditionally wore heavily-adorned parkas. Ornamented with bronze icons and other culturally-relevant symbols, the parka can weigh about 40 kilograms, or 88 pounds. One culturally relevant symbol are the faces on the shoulders of the parkas: these are faces of ancestors, and their noses are shaped like the bow of a ship for an unexpected reason.
Kosterkin clan ritual in Siberia. Photo by John Ziker
“These faces with long, thin noses help the shaman break through iron waves in order to get to the underworld, where they do battle with some kind of spirit that has taken someone’s soul,” Ziker explained.
Shamans traditionally do important spiritual healing work through such battles. However, in the past, some shamans were accused of doing evil deeds, much like witchcraft accusations in other societies.
More recently, while doing field research in Mozambique, Ziker witnessed contemporary witchcraft accusations. Though it has faded from use in many cultures and societies, accusations of witchcraft are still alive in others.
“It’s really common across sub-Saharan Africa, and fairly common in more traditional societies in other parts of the world as well,” said Ziker. “The people who have the least connections within the community, those are the ones who are more often accused of witchcraft.”
Fertility and protective symbols are painted on side of house in Mozambique. Photo by John Ziker
Ziker explained that witchcraft accusations have served as a political tool geared to maintain the social order, though not always in the way one would expect. Two common social science explanations of witchcraft are the mass hysteria theory and the scapegoat theory.
The mass hysteria theory has been used to explain examples such as the witch killings of the reformation and counter-reformation in the 16th and 17th centuries. During these religious wars, communities demanded magistrates find a reason for their ills, oftentimes demanding and forcing the decisions to condemn community members.
In the scapegoat theory, someone peripheral in the community takes the blame for the problems in the community. This approach has been used to explain incidences such as the Salem witch trials. Both of these theories have significant challenges to overcome in explaining actual witchcraft accusation and prosecution patterns, both historically in the West and cross-culturally.
“While it is interesting that these people are being accused of witchcraft and prosecuted because they’re relatively powerless, ultimately, accusations are aimed to demonstrate to some other group that this group [in power] is willing to go to that extent in order to protect its interests. It’s a statement to people who really do threaten the social order,” said Ziker.
The definition of witchcraft in anthropology covers such accusations of supernatural evil. Ziker often is asked about Wicca and Wiccans, who do not fit this definition. In anthropology, Wicca is viewed as a new religious movement, and consider it using other concepts such as magic, sorcery and sacrifice. Wiccans embrace the identity of witchcraft to create power structures of their own in the face of dominant religions. Researcher Wouter Hanegraaff with the University of Amsterdam refers to this as a “positive antitype.”
Going beyond social typologies, Ziker encouraged researchers to look at the nuances of behavior and individual costs and benefits of cooperative strategies. Wicca, like other new religious movements, uses supernatural claims to create, maintain and expand social relationships.
As an anthropologist, Ziker said that being able to understand the motives and mindset that shape such supernatural beliefs requires using observational methods to analyze various details, ranging from educational levels, to wealth, kinship relations and much more.
“In anthropology, we listen to what people say about what they’re doing, but our main methods are focused on what people are doing,” said Ziker. “And a lot of times we say one thing and do something completely different.”
As the sun began to set, the excitement in the air was palpable. The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation, and the crowd was eager to witness the magic of live music. The concert featured a diverse lineup of talented artists, each bringing their unique style and energy to the stage.
Share This
- Share on Facebook
- Share on Twitter
- Share on LinkedIn
- Share through Email
ANTH 4751: Supernatural-Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion: Home
Welcome to the class page for Anthropology 4751. Here you will find resources that are suggested for your research in this class as well as links to required course readings and films. If you need help accessing library resources or doing research, please contact the Anthropology Librarian.
From soulful R&B to exhilarating rock, the concert showcased a wide range of musical genres, appealing to different tastes and preferences. One of the standout performances of the night was by a popular local band. They took the audience on a musical journey with their energetic and catchy tunes. The lead singer's powerful vocals resonated through the venue, captivating everyone in the audience. The band's chemistry on stage was evident, and the crowd couldn't help but dance and sing along to every song. Another memorable moment was a surprise guest appearance by a well-known artist. The audience erupted into cheers and applause as they took the stage, creating an electric atmosphere in the venue. The artist delivered an incredible performance, showcasing their undeniable talent and leaving the crowd in awe. Throughout the concert, the production value was top-notch. The lighting and stage effects added an extra element of excitement and spectacle to the performances. The sound quality was impeccable, allowing every instrument and vocals to be heard clearly, enhancing the overall experience. The Magic 107.7 Live Concert was more than just a series of performances. It was a celebration of music and a gathering of music lovers from all walks of life. The atmosphere was full of positivity, with everyone coming together to enjoy the power of live music. In conclusion, the Magic 107.7 Live Concert was a truly unforgettable experience. From the incredible performances to the energetic crowd, everything came together to create a magical night. It was a reminder of the transformative power of music and the way it has the ability to bring people together in unity and joy..
Reviews for "Savor the Moments: Highlights from the Magical Evening of the Magic 107.7 Live Concert"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really excited to attend the Magic 107 7 live concert, but I was left utterly disappointed. The sound quality was horrendous throughout the entire show. It was way too loud to the point where it became painful. The band's performance was mediocre at best, and it felt like they lacked the energy and enthusiasm that I had expected. Overall, it was a waste of my time and money.
2. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
I attended the Magic 107 7 live concert with high hopes, but I left feeling underwhelmed. The organization of the event was chaotic, with long lines and confusion at the entrance. Once inside, the seating arrangements were poorly coordinated, making it difficult to find a spot where I could see the stage. The artists performed adequately, but there was nothing particularly impressive about their set. Overall, the concert lacked the excitement and cohesion that I had anticipated.
3. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I have been a fan of Magic 107 7 for a long time, so I was excited to finally attend one of their live concerts. However, I was left disappointed with the overall experience. The venue was overcrowded, and it was nearly impossible to move around freely. The sound system was subpar, resulting in muffled and distorted music. Additionally, the concert lacked any sort of atmosphere or engagement from the artists. It felt like they were simply going through the motions, rather than giving an authentic performance. I expected much more from this concert and left feeling let down.
4. Michael - ★☆☆☆☆
The Magic 107 7 live concert was an absolute disaster. The venue was small and cramped, making it uncomfortable to enjoy the music. The stage setup was poorly designed, with some audience members unable to see the performers at all. The artists themselves seemed disinterested and lacking in enthusiasm. The entire concert felt like a half-hearted attempt to make some quick money, rather than a genuine effort to provide a memorable experience for the attendees. I would not recommend this concert to anyone.