The Chayani are physicians who combine with the knowledge of medicine proper, the knowledge of magic curative powers.
They are the shamans of medicine.

Lastly the Yaya combine a knowledge of all these different branches in their essence.

They are the prophets and priests.

These groups may be described as, in a certain sense, guilds.
But they are secret societies also, inasmuch as the arts and practices of each are special property which is kept secret from the others, and from the uninitiated members in the tribe.

In order to become a member of a society of that kind secrecy is required and long apprenticeship.
The novice rises slowly from one degree of knowledge to another, and only few attain the higher positions.
The members of these secret societies are therefore magicians or wizards, and when any one dreads danger from evil sorcery it is his duty to consult the proper shaman for relief, unless he should be sure of the person of the sorcerer, in which case he may kill him outright without even mentioning the deed.