New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-13

uralization on the soil where It was planted
thousands Of years ago. \ comparative study Of
these inhabitants and their history and reLa-
tons to the other people Of Asia is the task IN
deTtaken by this expedition.
Some of the striking objects Of everyday life
brought back from this remote corner Of the
world and lately installed in the museum are
here described from the explorers notes. Among
these are u grotesqUeIy decorated garment worn
by the Shaman. fraudulent medical practition-
eT, and his series of carved images. each one
of which is said to be able to cure a certain
disease. This remarkable costume is made or
elk skin and is f-eakishIy adorned with series
of animal and human figures. intended to typi-
fy the supernatural powers of the Shaman.
Identical decorations appear in both sides OF
the upper parts Of the garment. The lower IS
supposed TO represent q magical grcup of the
animal world. with which the Shauln has
close connection and 10y whose aid he is able to
effect his marvellous cures. The back Of the
coat is likewise covered with different designs.
The figures are painted in red. yellow and black
The mythology of the Gold and GIlyaAS
includes good and evil spirits with the
Shaman as mediator. He is co-sL ered q su-
pernatural parsonage. able to drive evil spirits
out of the body and otherwise produce miracu-
lous cures. When sent for by an afflicted tribes
man, he appears dressed in his ceremonial coat
From his medicine chest he selects a carved
figure Of the animal IMPLYING the wicked demon
of disease, which has stolen the sick mans SOUL
II he has none in stock one is hcwn on the
spot This is placed under the bed of the Invalid
by the side of cup of food. The room IS partly
darkened. and the Shaman begins his ny steFl-
Gus performance. consisting of drum beating anu
loud lamentations. After much imaginary re-
sistanCe he rescUes the hungry spirit which en-
ticed by the cup of food, enters the wooden
figure near by. The we'll soul it restores again
to the body of the patient, and il by chance he
RECEIVERS. the Shaman is usually highly rewarded
for his services.
The Shaman, in his fantastic coat is also one
OF the leading actors in the Great Bear festival
the principal ceremonial. which lasts five days
The bear plays the chief role among the animals
Of the people Young cubs are caught and kept
IN log pens for four years for the purpose OF
sort OF religious Offering. During the iuteryA
OF their confinement they are regularly fed on
ratons OF fish and frequently led down 70
the river to battle and for exercise About the
appointed time Of the festival. usually in JanH-
airy. the owner Of the four-year cub sends
out invitations to the neIghborins inhabitants
to come to the feast The animal is hauled out
OF Its pen by means OF a moose slipped over us
head and one paw. 1t is then tied between Two
trees. and number OF men archers worry the
beast by shooting blunt arrows into its body
After this the Shaman. or medicine man, nous
a pine twig over his head. exhorting Bruin not
to convey unkind messages to the Great Spirl'
about his master. naming over the many OeheH'S
and blessings he has received from his h'lluS.
such as the best food dried fish, fine water III"