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The balance of work

There was little machinery in preindustrial Europe and the societies shared the same work ethic based on individual responsibility and community solidarity. In these agricultural and artisanal communities, the body – human and animal – was the first and sometimes the only tool available: its skill and dependability were key assets in a precarious economy. Knowing how to economise and use its strength led to a sense of well being.

The music of the animals

Although the beginning of the practice is hard to date, hanging bells around the animals' necks helped locate and organise the herds and flocks. The shepherd or herdsman marked the identity of the animal in terms of size, gait and importance in the flock through the bell he hung around its neck. A characteristic sound can be attributed to all the beasts, not just to the leaders. The procession creates a halo of sound which keeps the animals together and in order. It is not simply a matter of making a noise, but of composing a recognisable ensemble that is agreeable to the ear. Putting the flock into harmony with the landscape or when it crosses a village is a prestigious skill perfected over many years.