BENSHAW.) TOXEMIC ORIGIN. 151 



for instance, in the case of weapons of war or implements of the chase, 

 to impart greater eflQciency to them. The etching would also serve as 

 a mark of ownership, especially where property of certain kinds was 

 regarded as belonging to the tribe or gens and not to the individual. 

 Often, indeed, in the latter case the individual used the totem of his 

 gens instead of the symbol or mark for ids own name. 



As a theory to account for the number and character of these animal 

 carvings the totemic theory is perhaps as tenable as any. The origin 

 and significance of the carvings may, however, involve many different 

 and distinct ideas. It is certain that it is a common practice of Indians 

 to endeavor to ijerjietuate the image of anj- strange bird or beast, esjie- 

 <;ially when seen away from home, and in order that it may be shown to 

 his friends. As what are deemed the marvellous features of the animal 

 are almost always greatly exaggerated, it is in this way that many of 

 the astonishing productions noticeable in savage art have originated. 

 Among the Esquimaux this habit is very prominent, and many individ- 

 uals can show etchings or carvings of birds and animals exhibiting the 

 most extraordinary characters, which they stoutly aver and doubtless 

 have come to believe they have actually seen. 



