108 



The trifurcated line, "the raven's foot" of Nelson, seen in 

 Figure 32 d, was found on an old woman from Nachvak, staying 

 at Cape Chidley. This design is also found in Bering strait 

 among the Alaskan and Asiatic Eskimo. 1 It is tattooed on the 

 cheeks, forehead, or breast. Nelson interprets it as a totem 

 mark and Bogoras as a protective design from the "kelet" 

 (spirits). A story which the old woman mentioned above told 

 me in connexion with this mark throws some light on its 

 possible origin. She said that whenever an Eskimo approached 

 the abode of Torngarsoak, "the great Torngak," who lives in a 

 cave in the high mountains near Cape Chidley, one hung upon 

 one's breast a raven's claw for protection. This may have led 

 to the adoption of the "raven's foot" mark as a constant pro- 

 tection against the Tornait. 



SOCIAL ORGANIZATION AND SOCIAL CUSTOMS. 



The social organization of the Eskimo may be said to be 

 practically nil. The only ties are family life and certain taboos 

 which have a religious sanction. Yet the force of public opinion 

 is strongly felt and perhaps exerts a greater power than in more 

 highly organized communities. 



PUNISHMENT AND MURDER. 



We might define an Eskimo village as a sort of communistic 

 settlement. Every one is free to do as he pleases, so long as he 

 does not infringe on the general welfare of the people. When any 

 one oversteps traditional bounds or makes himself obnoxious to 

 the people, he is admonished by some of the old men or women. 

 "Somebody speaks," they say. This usually so humiliates the 

 offender, that no further punishment is necessary. If he con- 

 tinues "bad-hearted," he is practically ostracized; he is not 

 allowed to take any part in village affairs; he is forbidden to 

 enter the iglus; no one will speak to him or have anything to do 

 with him. This social death is the worst thing that can happen 



1 Cf. Nelson, Eskimo About Bering strait, 18th Annual Report B.A.E., p. 325, and Bogoras, 

 The Chukchee, vol. VII, Jesup, North Pacific Expedition, p. 256. 



