snake charming
Cobra performance art
Snake charming is the practice of appearing to hypnotize snakes, typically cobras, by playing a flute-like instrument while the snake sways.
The snake actually responds to the movement of the instrument rather than its sound.
Street performers in South Asia traditionally practiced this art: We watched a snake charmer in the marketplace.
Figuratively, snake charming describes any persuasive manipulation of dangerous situations or difficult people.
- hypnotismTrance-inducing practice
- cobraHooded venomous serpent
- magicSupernatural or illusory power
- fluteTube blown sideways
- wicker basketContainer of woven fibers
mesmerize · hypnotic trance · street performer · basket · swaying · naga · captivate · fakir · sham · performance · danger · hissing · tradition · Indian subcontinent · ouroboros · ritual · venomous reptiles · dance
- Stuntsstunt, stuntman, stunt double, daredevil, stunt performer
- animal trainingdog training, lion taming, falconry, clicker training, reward training
- animal crueltyanimal abuse, animal cruelty, dogfighting, neglect, torture