Pajé is a Tupi-Guarani word used for to name the figure of the counselor, healer, sorcerer and spiritual intermediary of an indigenous community.
The shaman is considered one of the most important figures within the Brazilian indigenous tribes. According to the typical traditions of these peoples, the shaman is predominantly an elder endowed with supernatural powers, with the ability to predict the future, drive out evil spirits and diseases from the tribes.
Known as the "tribe doctor", the shaman uses massage techniques, baths and even some surgical practices to cure his patients. In addition, he is a deep connoisseur of "natural medicines", based on medicinal herbs, roots, seeds, substances animals and minerals that help, according to the indigenous culture, cure the most diverse diseases, whether physical or spiritual.
Indigenous peoples believe that shamans have the gift of communicating with forest spirits and with the gods, in addition to having the power to rain and improve hunting, fishing and harvesting conditions in the tribe.
In the ritual called "shaman", the shaman uses herbs and plants from the forest to cure or solve the Indians' spiritual problems, coming into contact with ancient spirits.
Shaman and Chief
while the shamans are considered spiritual leaders and healers of an indigenous tribe, the chiefs they are the political and administrative heads of the village.
O chief, like the shaman, is one of the most important members of the tribe, being responsible for the order and proper functioning of the indigenous community.
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See also:
- Shaman
- Shamanism
- Kuarup
- Indigenous Culture