[15] BULLETIN 39, UlSTITED STATES ISTATIONAL MUSEUM. 



4. Philosophy. — Called also sophiolog-y, or explanation of phe- 

 nomena. It is the search for causes and allies itself more and more 

 as we descend the steps of culture progress with personality. What 

 causes the sun to shine, the winds to blow, life and death, and all the 

 infinite variety" of changes going on in nature. 



VI.— RELIGIONS. 



From the point of view of anthropology, religion is what is believed 

 concerning a spirit world and what is done in consequence of such 

 beliefs. The former is creed, the latter is cult, or worship. For the 

 museum, collections are needed of specimens, pictures, and descrip- 

 tions in the following topics: 



1. The Pantheon. — In the lowest stage of religion, personality 

 belongs to all phenomena, everj^thing is somebody. In the Philip- 

 pines the Negritos are said to practice ancestor worship, but no scien- 

 tific study of the subject has been made among them. The brown 

 race has its own native pantheon and, in addition, that of Buddhism, 

 Mohammedanism, and Christianit3\ Images and native pictures of 

 the inhabitants of their spirit world are desired, in their proper asso- 

 ciations if possible. 



2. Priesthood. — Under this term include the whole ecclesiastical 

 organization of the tribe with reference to religion. The first thing 

 to ascertain is how societ}^ is organized under this head. Who are 

 the priests? How are they appointed and trained? How do they 

 dress and act? Are they^ organized and influential? What is their 

 function in disease, death, and sorcery? Collect costume and para- 

 phernalia relating to the priesthood. 



3. Sacred Places. — In the higher forms of religion the temples 

 occupy the loftiest position in the estimation of the people. No cost 

 is spared in their erection or furniture. To profane these sacred pre- 

 cincts is the most heinous ofi^ense. Every tribe has its building-, 

 grounds, groves, tabooed places devoted to religion. (Connected with 

 these are innumerable costly objects and furnishings to please the 

 gods. Collections of these in proper association are of priceless value. 

 To secure them or correct representations of them requires the greatest 

 friendlmess. 



4. Worship. — The social conduct in the presence of the gods. For 

 this there is an elaborate calendar, rich costumes, processions, music, 

 decorations, incense, offerings, and sacrifice. Collections in this single 

 particular from one area would form one of the most attractive exhibits 

 in the National Museum. There are many social duties intimately 

 allied to religion — circumcision, naming, etc. — belonging to this class. 



5. Private Religion. — Here should be classed all that brings the 

 individual into relation with the divine, including talismans, charms, 



