What is a shaman?

A violent storm rages through the forest. In a clearing, the tribe gathers in front of the witchdoctor’s hut, while he performs his tribal dances to frighten’ away the evil spirits of the storm.

As he leaps and twists, he chants spells in a low mumble or screeches curses at the sky. He wears a terrifying mask and his body is painted with powdered dyes and plant juices. He wears animal skins and bird feathers, and has the bones of dead animals in his hair and ears.

Many primitive tribes throughout the world choose one important person to perform the magic for his tribe. This man or woman may be called a witchdoctor, a medicine man or shaman. They are often more powerful than the tribal chief, because the tribe believes they are in touch with supernatural spirits that control their lives.