shaman

Ritual leader who acts as intermediary between society and the supernatural world in many indigenous cultures of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Also known as a medicine man, seer, or sorcerer, the shaman is expected to use special powers to cure illness and control good and evil spirits.

There is usually some form of training involved and an elaborate initiation rite. Shamans also use local medicines and curative techniques. Scientists and pharmaceutical companies have begun to take an interest in traditional knowledge systems, which puts the intellectual rights of shamans at issue.