172 
perhaps the result of ('hristian teaching. The Iroquoians alone^ 
vaguely perceived the great deptli of the problem. They predicaterl 
a dualism in nature, like the ancient Persians, and in various elaborate 
myths described how two rival spirits, one good and one evil, fought 
for the mastery of the universe, and how the good spirit finally over- 
came his adversary without being able to undo all his mischievous 
creations. After all, the main problem for every tribe of Indians, as 
it is for all mankind, was not the explanation of evil, but its avoid- 
ance. Since many of the forces or supernatural beings in nature were 
hostile or at least productive of evil, it behooved the native either 
to render these powers innocuous, or to ward off their influences by 
other means. 
2914,5 
Effigies of two iiu ‘11 in a canoe, made of twigs liy a Nootka. Indian and secluded in 
the forest to give success in sealing. (I’holo In/ (1. .1. Co.rj 
The easiest method of rendering them innocuous was by pro- 
pitiation. The Indian, therefore, offered them gifts, as he did to 
his fellow-countrymen. “ I have remarked two kinds of sacrifices,” 
says a Jesuit missionary among the Hurons. “ Some are to render 
them (the supernatural powers) propitious and favourable; others 
1 The Ojihwa aial some of llie Cree recognized a Onod Spirit (Kitchi Manido) ami a Had Spirit 
(Mddji Mnuido), I)u1 the.c seem to liave jiaid little regal'd to the latter iirior to the teaehiiigs of the 
Jesuit missionaries. 
