In terms of traditional tribal culture I would think the shaman is probably the most unique, most individualistic member, and his purpose is to attempt to guide the tribe-- there's certainly no sense of separation, but of high responsibility. What I know for sure is anyone who seriously breaks rank, who refuses to follow customs becomes totally ostracized and is likely heading down a road toward death unless incredibly resourceful.

A strong influence toward this aspect of consciousness and how our experience of reality is completely different was instilled by a book called "A Secret History of the World" by Mark Booth. It's quite fascinating if the subject interests you. Certainly the archaic, or ancient, world did not have the separation from spirit that we have today, and this realm was entirely real for them.