CLXVI ADMINISTRATIVE EEPORT [eth. ann.20 



origin of alphabets we are led into a vast field of research in 

 which we find that alphabets have a long history as picture 

 writings anterior to their development into alphabets. In 

 tribal society all written language is picture writing, used 

 mainly for religious purposes. The pristine picture writing 

 was a means of communication with the gods and a method of 

 record necessary for tlie proper observance of religious cere- 

 jnonies, and especially of the time when such ceremonies 

 should be performed. Thus the chief picture writings of tribal 

 society are calendric. 



In the lower stages of society, when spiritual jn-operties are 

 held to live a distinct existence from the other properties of 

 bodies, wo that animism universally prevails, then ghosts are 

 invoked for the purpose of gaining their assistance in the affairs 

 of human life. The oldest diiferentiated calling in society is 

 that of the shaman — a man ^^'ho is supposed to liave skill in 

 communicating with ghosts. He who makes a profession of 

 ability to conununicate with ghosts is called in various lan- 

 guages b}' various terms that we now translate as shaman — a 

 term derived from the eai'ly study of the Africans along the 

 Guinea coast. The shaman is thus a man who claims to hold 

 linguistic intercourse with ghosts. The shamanistic profession 

 is practiced in ever}' tribe, and it is through invention l)y sha- 

 mans that picture writing was devised, and it is further through 

 their invention that picture writing was developed into alpha- 

 betic writing. 



It Avill be equally interesting and instructive to contemplate 

 the origin of picture writing. It is common in savage society 

 to hold periodical festivals with fasting, feasting, music, danc- 

 ing, dramatic performances, and athletic sports on the occasion 

 of making invocation for abundant harvests. There are many 

 other occasions for like festivities with all their accompani- 

 ments. One example will suflice to set forth the nature of 

 the picture writing displayed on these occasions, and we 

 will select for this purpose a calendric festival of rejoicing- 

 after the harvest-home which is also a pi-ayer for future good 

 harvests. 



The festival to which I am now to refer was continued 

 tin-ougli several days. At one time the shaman and the mem- 



