198 



THE HUDSON BAY ESKIMO. 



the belt of polar-bear skin (kak-cuug'-uut) (Fig. 23) are bung strings 

 of colored beads and various amulets. These are, first, a woodeu doll 

 (Fig. 24) (iuug'-wak, a little man) hung to the belt so that he faces out- 

 ward and is always on the alert; then, two bits of wood (agowak) (Fig. 

 25) to which hang strands of beads and lead drops; next, a string of 

 three bullets (Fig. 26) to symbolize the readiness of the hunter when 

 game approaches; and, last, a semicircular piece of wood ornamented 

 with strings of beads (Fig. 27). 



This last is called the tu-a'-vitok, or hastener. The hunter holds it 

 in his hand when he sights the game, and the tighter he grasps it the 



Fui. 23. Belt of magic (lull. 



faster he is supposed to get over the ground. It is supposed that by 

 the use of this one may be able to travel faster tlian the wind and not 

 even touch the earth over which he passes with such incredible speed 

 that he overtakes the deer in a moment. The entire affair, as it hung 

 on the pole, was called tung wa'gn e'nog ang', or a materialization of a 

 Tung ak. 



This object hung there for several days until I thought it had served 

 its purpose and could now afford to change ownership. The local con- 



