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.
Shaman
By Alistair Boddy-Evans, About.com
Related Terms from the African History Glossary
Related Rock Art Terms from the African History Glossary
Related Terms from the African History Glossary
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