Which of the following roles performs religious functions?

The role that performs religious functions is that of a priest. Priests are typically responsible for conducting religious ceremonies, offering guidance to followers, and serving as intermediaries between the divine and the community. Their work often includes leading worship services, performing rituals, and providing spiritual counsel, making their primary function one of a religious nature.

In contrast, while archeologists, merchants, and artisans contribute significantly to society in various ways, their roles do not primarily focus on religious duties. Archeologists study past human activity, often through excavation, merchants engage in trade and commerce, and artisans create goods and crafts. None of these roles inherently encompasses the religious responsibilities that define the work of a priest. Therefore, a priest stands out as the role directly associated with religious functions.