TED-Ed: A day in the life of an ancient Peruvian shaman

In 1400 BCE, Kexo, a village shaman, notices troubling signs of impending storms. To prevent disaster, he plans a ritual requiring cinnabar. As the village prepares for a festival, Kexo gathers herbs and trades for cinnabar. At the festival, he struggles to find the mineral but eventually meets Highlanders who provide it. With the cinnabar, Kexo hopes to perform his ritual and avert the storms.

How does Kexo's role as a shaman differ from that of other villagers during the festival?

What challenges does Kexo face in obtaining the cinnabar for his ritual?