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medicine man
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Ivorian healer performing a cure.
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Ivorian healer performing a cure.
Ivorian healer performing a cure.

medicine man

anthropology
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Also known as: healer, medicine person
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
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Also called:
medicine person or healer
Key People:
Wovoka

medicine man, member of an indigenous society who is knowledgeable about the magical and chemical potencies of various substances (medicines) and skilled in the rituals through which they are administered. The term has been used most widely in the context of American Indian cultures but is applicable to many others as well. Despite the term’s nomenclature, women perform this function in many societies. Traditionally, medicine people are called upon to prevent or heal the physical and mental illnesses of individuals as well as the social ruptures that occur when murders and other calamitous events take place within a community. Some ...(100 of 313 words)

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