What is the primary purpose of a Shaman in primitive societies?

The primary purpose of a Shaman in primitive societies is to mediate between humans and the divine. Shamans serve as spiritual leaders and healers, guiding their communities in matters involving the supernatural. They often engage in rituals that facilitate communication with the spiritual world, including ancestors, gods, and other ethereal entities. This mediation is crucial in many cultures as it helps individuals and communities to seek guidance, healing, and understanding of the world around them.

Shamans typically use various techniques, such as trance states, drumming, and fasting, to enter altered states of consciousness that allow them to navigate the spiritual realm. Their roles may include healing the sick, predicting the future, and providing insight into communal issues through their connection to spiritual dimensions. This function of mediating between the human and the divine highlights the Shaman's central role in maintaining the spiritual health and cultural cohesion of their communities.