Machi (Shaman)

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For other uses, see Machi.

A Machi is a shaman or (usually) a good witch in the Mapuche culture of South America; and is also an important character and the Mapuche mythology.

[edit] Description

They are spiritual leaders and function as: curandero (witch-doctors), and/or herbalists, religious authority, and consultant.

The term is sometimes interchangeable with the word Kalku, however Kalku has a usually evil connotation whereas Machi has a usually righteous connotation; however this is not always true in every circumstance as the terms are every so often sometimes mistakenly, mutually interchangeable.

The Mapuches live in southern South America mostly in central Chile (Araucanía and Los Lagos) and the adjacent areas of Argentina.

[edit] See also

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