Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-12-24
SUPERSTITION.
curious Examples of it in Alaska

curious Examples of it in Alaska.
Fran the SIN Francisco Chro1icle.
A belief in the presence OF evil spirits
constitutes the only religious ideas
among the Mutes. There are among them
individuals called tOOnrachs, correspond
ing to the shaman of the Siberian tribes.
II person is sick before the whaling sea-
son commences, or a child is born before
going on journey or building q house.
the services Of the sbaman is called in
requisiUIOn. The modus operandl in every
case is very similar. The shaman, alter
a long spell of silence, suddenly begins 10
roll his eyes, conVulsive shakes pervade
his frame and he gives utterances to va
rious grOans and signs intermingled with
sentences pertaining to the subject upon
which he ID engaged. During the time Of
mis- performance a continuous beating
upon a drum is kept up. Toward the end
paroXysms, or rather commissions OF eX-
ultatiuh similar to what have been de-
scribed as prevailing at the finale of a
Shaker meeting are exhibited by the sha-
man. Froth eXudes from his mouth, his
eyes glare and roll and his whole frame
is cOntorted. Perspiratl0n pOurs from
his face, and he is entirely exhausted.
The loud inYocatioDs TO the evil spirits to
vacate the body of the sick person, Or to
drive them away from the sea to enable
the whales or seals to arrive, become
gradually subdued, dying away into inco-
nerent mutterings. Then after while he
regalns his composure, complacently
smokes his pipe, and receives his pay for
services performed. Ii the operation is
PEI formed over sick person and recov-
cry does not ensue the payment made is
returned, a custom that might be adj
vantageOusly adopted among civilized
persons.
Some curious superstItions are also to
be noted. Ii person IS sick, iron tools,
such as axes or knives, cannot be used
in the house. Upon mans grave his
sled is placed, but broken to pieces, and
MS kyack meets similar usage. Furs,
spears and rifles are also deposited, while
If the individual has killed many whales,
the long Jaw bones OF the balaena are
placed in an upright position to mark the
spot. Those people bury their dead upon
the ground. raIsinga number of pieces OF
driftwood in the shape OF tent over the
remains. Owing to this insecure mode OF
burial the wood soon falls down and af.
fords entrances TO foxes and doxs, who
make havoc with the body. But little re.
gard Is paid to the burial places, although
these Mutes are very much incensed
whenever attempts are made to take
away any skulls or bones from the grave.
yards. They also make long detour in
passing the resting place of the dead, and
will on no account touch anything once
deposited at burial.
A woman's grave has her clothing, sew
ing gear and various household utensils
placed upon1t. One of the most peculiar
acts | heard of took place in the month OF
May, during the whaling season, at Point
Hope. A woman died and her body was
carried out to the edge OF the Ice. Three
old women cut her heart out, wrapped il
in a covering of seal intestines, and threw
1t into the sea through hole IN the foe
This was done in order to bring good luck
10 the catch.