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: witch-doctors (curandero), and/or herbalists, religious authorities, and consultants.
The term is sometimes interchangeable with the word Kalku, however, Kalku has a usually evil connotation whereas Machi is usually considered good; this, however, is not always true since in common use the terms may be interchanged.
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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