THE ESKIMOS : THEIR RELIGION 35 



from whom it originally proceeded, Sedna. If 

 during these three days any transgression of a 

 taboo has taken place, the transgression becomes 

 attached to the animal's soul and causes it pain. 

 And, moreover, it is compelled to take this trans 

 gression back to the abode of Sedna. 



There are terrible accounts of starvation follow 

 ing as a punishment upon the violation of these 

 taboos. No seals or whales or caribou or game 

 of any kind can be bagged by the hunter. 



In their extremity the people call in the services 

 of the angakok, who is the magician, sorcerer, or 

 medicine man. This man is able to see the souls 

 of people and animals, and he does so through the 

 help of guardian or familiar spirits (tornak). These 

 familiar spirits are themselves ruled by one supreme 

 spirit. 



In the case of sickness, which has perhaps resulted 

 from some unconscious transgression, the angakok 

 seats himself in the snow-house or tent with a 

 screen between himself and the people present. 

 The lamp is almost extinguished. He takes off 

 his outer fur coat, and begins to sway his body 

 backwards and forwards in the most violent manner, 

 at the same time making the most unearthly yells. 

 Having worked himself up to a state of great 

 excitement, he announces the arrival of his familiar 

 spirit. The angakok then questions this spirit as 

 to the cause of the present sickness and trouble. 



