Answer to Question #170931 in Psychology for Faith

Question

What were the main functions of shamans in the precolonial san communities of southern africa?

Answer 1

Shamans performed a variety of functions during the precolonial times. Their community regarded them as prophets, diviners and custodians of religious beliefs. They then had to lead religious and cultural ceremonies, like the Sun Dance .Shamans also performed healing,cleansing,leading sacrifices,preserving traditions by storytelling and singing,fortune telling and guiding of dead souls to their rest. They performed the function of healing within their community since they believed there was a connection between them and the spirits. This made them mediators between their community and the spirit world.