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Kabila

Shaman

A person believed able to contact the spirit world, often in a trance, to heal, guide or protect the community.

Also called: shamanism, spirit healer

A shaman acts as a go-between for people and spirits. The role may include healing illness, finding game, guiding the dead and keeping balance with nature. The word is used loosely for many different specialists, and each people has its own title and practice.

Related words

AnimismAncestor venerationOral traditionEthnobotany

Lessons that use this word

Seven peoples, once a week

Every Monday: seven peoples you may never have heard of, who they are and where they live.