Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-10-31
CUSTOMS OF ESKIMOS.
Few Evidences that They Have Any
Belief Respecting Future Life.
CFrom the Seattle Post-Intellig


V. Stefansson, ethnologist OF the Anglo
American polar expedition, who is con-
nected with the Peabody Museum OF Iiar
ward University. and who lived with the
Eskimos last winter at the mouth OF the
Mackenzie River, related yesterday curl
GUS practices among that people in man
ifesting their respect for tho dead.
The degree of the civilization of a
nation said Mr.. Stefansson, ''is largely
measured by the respect shown for the
dead, and curiously enough. while these
Esklmos cannot be regarded as being
civilized, their continued respect for their
dead would do credit In character and
sincerity TO any Of the nation OF the
earth. They rear no monuments to
mark the resting place OF their dead and
on which to record the virtues and
achievements OF their heroes, but if
memory Is the only thing that grief can
call her own surely this one thing is
evidenced in affectionate and enduring
customs by these simple and generous
people of the Far North. These customs
offer some of the very few evidences that
these people have any belief respecting
future life.
when a death occurs the body Is TAX
en- to some suitable spot and covered
with debris OF various kinds, drift wood
forming large part of it. Food con-
sisting mainly Of fish Qor this is their
Grief article of dieD is placed on the pile
along with simple presents of things
they think will be useful to the departed
spirit. This is renewed so long as they
have opportunity to DO so. AS they sell
dom stay longer than one year in a place,
this period marks the limit of this ex-
preston of their sorrow and interest in
the future welfare of the dead
But they do not stop with the giving
food and presents. And this throws
light on another of their curious Gus
toms. The name OF the dead person is
given to the child next born, and II no
birth occurs until after a number of the
tribe have died, then the names of all
the dead are given to the newly born
child. / know Of one instance OF nine
names being thus given to a child. Then
giving of presents is continued, only
they are given to the child. But It must
be understood that in giving them to the
child the presents are really intended
for the spirits Of the dead. OF course
they do not exactly speak of them as
spirit, but they have a vague. indefna-
BILE conviction that somehow and some
where their departed friends and comra-
des still exist and may need their help
This seems to be the natural express
sion OF their communistic practices. SO
far az food, clothing. shelter, and pro-
lection are concerned everything is held
in common for the common good II ia
for this reason that unselnshness is .en-
timely characteristic of these Eskinos
Kindness that Is limited only by tho sim
pie and unfavored character of their on
vronment seems to be an instinct for
even the children are quiet, obedient and
deferential to their elders, and IN thar
play they do not appear to have TN.
lively sense of person, rights so us,.,
In young people, Thus, they grow to man
hood and womanhood. and IT seems nat
ural that their memory and affection for
the dead should ind expression in sim.
pie acts OF thoughtful consideration fo.