Creating a space to learn about the style, structures and culture of the ndrangheta can be difficult, but thanks to claudio La camera, an anthropologist and theater director, it is now possible. Located in Calabria, southern Italy, La camera established the Museum of ndrangheta, Cultura Anti Mafia, a museum dedicated to the study of the ndrangheta and to inform people of the history of the powerful mafia organization.
La camera was born in San Luca, an area where the ndrangheta is said to originate from. With his museum, he wanted to create an outlet for people to understand the culture of the ndrangheta, and prevent young people from getting involved with the mafia. He started out small, using fatture false (fake invoices) to finance the project, but soon built enough support to gain funding from local authorities.
The Museum of ndrangheta, Cultura Anti Mafia has now become a major educational tool for anyone in Calabria. It hosts conferences and workshops by both local and international experts, all dedicated to working against the mafia and providing education and understanding of the ndrangheta.
In addition to this, the Museum also has an archive of newspaper articles, photographs, and personal accounts about the mafia that helps visitors gain a better understanding of the ndrangheta and its impact on the community. The museum also displays dozens of ndrangheta artifacts, which La camera says are all tools used by the mafia to influence and control people. He adds that although some of these artifacts were once used as weapons, they can now be viewed in a new light, to gain a better understanding of the mafia’s past.
Overall, La camera‘s efforts in creating the museum has been an incredible one, as it provides an educational tool which allows for people to gain a better understanding of the ndrangheta and its impact on the community. Through the museum, this impact can be discussed and analyzed, and La camera‘s dedication to providing such a platform has been nothing short of inspirational.
