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Shaman

By Alistair Boddy-Evans, About.com

Definition: A medicine man or woman who acts as a spiritual leader of a community. San shamans acquire healing abilities and other powers through the trance dance. It is believed that much of southern Africa's rock art was created by shamans as records of their trance experiences. Shamans may also provide a link between members of a community and their ancestors.
Related Terms from the African History Glossary

Altered ConsciousnessTrance DanceTherianthrope

Related Rock Art Terms from the African History Glossary

Rock ArtPortable Rock ArtPetroglyph

Related Terms from the African History Glossary

Bushman/BushmenHunter-GathererSan

Alistair Boddy-Evans
Guide since 2001

Alistair Boddy-Evans
African History Guide

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