Contribution short abstract:

We are among Swiss shepherds and their flocks on high alpine pastures in Switzerland. Unwriting the stereotypical image of a supposedly passive shepherd leads me to emphasise instead the complex, multi-species relationships between shepherds, dogs, sheep and the alpine grassland. The importance of sensory perception, particularly visual communication, in the adjustment of daily activities becomes apparent, and reveals how shepherds coordinate activities with their animals, accentuating the collaborative nature of their work in navigating and shaping high-altitude environments.

Contribution long abstract:

My current research project regularly places me in the company of Swiss shepherds and their flocks, providing a valuable opportunity to observe their daily lives and interactions. During this immersive fieldwork on high alpine pastures, I came to understand that the relationships involved are far more intricate than they might initially appear. Their bond is deeply rooted in a complex interplay where sensory perception and intuition converge to create a dynamic collaboration. The picture is more nuanced yet when we consider that semi-natural alpine grassland is not just a backdrop, but an active component of a multi-species association.

The image of a patient flock of sheep under the watchful eye of a shepherd - a calm, mild-mannered figure passively observing from a distance - is as iconic as it is reductive. While this stereotype persists in our imagination, it fails to capture the depth of skill, knowledge and effort required. This paper aims to un-write this received notion by focusing on the intricate expertise and techniques that shepherds, herding dogs and sheep rely on to navigate the long summer months spent at altitudes above 2000 metres. Among these skills, I will pay particular attention to the visual dimension of their relationship: shepherds, dogs and sheep communicate and coordinate their daily activities largely through eye contact. The shepherd's gaze becomes his primary tool, and the visual dialogue with the animals highlights the subtle yet profound ways in which the actors collaborate to adapt to and shaping a challenging environment.