Shamanism is an ancient practice. Although the shaman’s abilities vary from culture to culture, they’re frequently believed to have the power to heal the sick, communicate with each other across vast distances and escort the souls of the dead to the afterlife. Shamanism is found in cultures all across the world, from the Arctic to Central America.

The practice is believed to have begun with hunter-gatherer societies and persisted after the start of agriculture, though there is some debate as to whether the term can be applied to all cultures. The shaman almost always posses an essential role in the group hierarchy of any society. Aside from acting as healers and religious figures, they also wield political power, acting as counselors for the political elite.

Artist: Archäologische Illustrationen

Image of shaman, plants with healing properties and masks

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Credit: Archäologische Illustrationen and Open Past

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