TOP 10 BEST Shamans in The World & Their Unique Powers

By Alex Assoune Apr 30, 2025

Shamanism is one of the oldest spiritual practices known to humanity. From the frozen tundras of Siberia to the dense Amazon rainforest, shamans have acted as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds. Their roles include healing, guiding, and preserving the traditions and wisdom of their communities. In this post, we explore some of the most renowned shamans in history and today, each leaving a profound impact on the world through their unique spiritual practices.

1. Black Elk (1863–1950) – Oglala Lakota, North America

Black Elk was a respected holy man of the Oglala Lakota Sioux. He experienced powerful visions from a young age, which guided his life as a healer and spiritual leader. Black Elk participated in key historical events, including the Battle of Little Bighorn and the Wounded Knee Massacre. His spiritual teachings were later recorded in the influential book Black Elk Speaks, sharing Lakota wisdom with the world.

2. María Sabina (1894–1985) – Mazatec, Mexico

María Sabina was a Mazatec shaman who practiced in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. She was famous for her use of psilocybin mushrooms in sacred healing ceremonies called veladas. Her chanting and connection to the mushroom spirits gained attention in the 1950s, inspiring the psychedelic movement. While this fame brought challenges to her community, her legacy lives on as a symbol of sacred indigenous healing.

3. Aama Bombo – Tamang, Nepal

Known as "Mother Shaman," Aama Bombo is a widely respected female shaman from Nepal's Tamang tradition. After recovering from a serious illness, she accepted her calling as a healer. She now works from the Boudhanath Temple in Kathmandu, treating hundreds of people each week and removing harmful spirits. Aama Bombo is also part of the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers, promoting traditional healing worldwide.

4. Olga Kudrina (c. 1890–1944) – Reindeer Evenki, Siberia

Olga Kudrina was a shamaness of the Reindeer Evenki people of Siberia. Coming from a long line of shamans, she became a prominent spiritual figure and conflict mediator. During a time of social upheaval, her leadership helped preserve cultural unity. Her death caused tension among the Evenki, reflecting her importance as a stabilizing force.

5. Lola Kiepja (c. 1874–1966) – Selk‹nam, Tierra del Fuego

Lola Kiepja was one of the last shamans of the Selk‹nam people in Tierra del Fuego. As their population dwindled, she became a key figure in preserving their spiritual traditions. Anthropologist Anne Chapman recorded her songs and teachings, ensuring the Selk‹nam wisdom would not be lost to history.

6. Adana Omágua Kambeba – Kambeba, Brazil

Also known as Danielle Soprano Pereira, Adana is an Indigenous Brazilian woman who blends Western medicine with traditional shamanic practices. A trained doctor and spiritual leader (pajé), she works to bring integrated healing to the Kambeba communities. Her dual approach symbolizes the bridge between modern science and ancestral wisdom.

7. Mudang Gumpa – Korea

Mudang Gumpa is a Korean shaman known for performing traditional folk rituals and spiritual ceremonies. She gained international attention by performing a Korean shamanic rite at Carnegie Hall in 2019. Her work brings global recognition to Korea's rich spiritual heritage, rooted in centuries of folk practice.

8. Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq – Kalaallit Eskimo, Greenland

Known as "Uncle," Angaangaq is a revered Inuit shaman from Greenland. He was initiated by elders and carries forward the spiritual wisdom of his people. His mission is to "melt the ice in the heart of man," promoting inner awakening and harmony with nature. Angaangaq shares his teachings globally and is also involved in climate advocacy, using indigenous knowledge to address ecological challenges.

9. Ipupiara Makunaiman (1941–2011) – Ure-e-wau-wau, Brazil

Ipupiara was an Amazonian shaman, biologist, and anthropologist from the Ure-e-wau-wau tribe. He traveled worldwide to share the spiritual teachings and healing practices of his people. Through collaborations with scientists and educators, he fostered cross-cultural understanding while preserving traditional knowledge. His life's work exemplified the harmony between spiritual healing and environmental activism.

10. Davi Kopenawa Yanomami – Yanomami, Brazil

Davi Kopenawa is a Yanomami shaman and outspoken advocate for indigenous rights and environmental protection. His book, The Falling Sky, combines personal narrative with shamanic cosmology, offering deep insight into Yanomami worldview. Known as the "Dalai Lama of the Rainforest," Kopenawa has received international recognition for defending the Amazon and his people from exploitation.

Conclusion

From guiding spiritual journeys to defending their lands and healing their people, shamans hold a sacred and vital role in cultures around the world. These ten remarkable individuals have helped bridge ancient wisdom with the modern world, offering tools for healing, understanding, and connection. As interest in holistic and ancestral traditions continues to grow, the teachings of these shamans remain deeply relevant—reminding us to live in harmony with nature, spirit, and one another.

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

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