RELIGION 103

THE WASH-BASIN

A third supernatural element which must be in good con- dition if a Bella Coola is to prosper in life, is a nuskelusta, wash- basin. In the land above, 4iguntdm has a large one filled with water which, having been constructed by himself, is replete with power. When a child is born, a small part of this recep- tacle, with its contents, is reserved for him; the supernatural artisans choose the actual section, but it is /guntdam who gives them the ability to do so. A fortunate man, whose ventures are successful and to whom goods are attracted, is said to have a good wash-basin; whereas the ill-luck of an unfortunate person is attributed, among other reasons, to the small size of his supernatural vessel. The Bella Coola have no clear ideas about the connection between an individual and his wash- basin. Some state that it remains in the land above; others believe that its intangible essence comes to a child at birth and grows up with him, always near his body, as if it were the offspring of the basin in the land above. As long as it remains in motion the owner continues in good health and prosperity, but if it becomes sluggish he falls ill. Long ago, shamans knew how to reanimate a wash-basin, but since the time of the first people, when supernatural ability was com- mon, this has been a lost art. Senile decay is attributed to listlessness of this possession.

River water, being a creation of 4/guntdém, is akin to the water in his basin above. Boys are always advised to bathe in the river at dawn; the act is termed Gskelusam, a word connected with nuskelusta. A prayer is uttered while washing. The combination of verbal appeal and the application of water strengthens the petitioner’s wash-basin and so increases his chances for prosperity. Until a few years ago, this practice was almost universal. Water is always considered a strange substance, obviously a supernatural creation, and believed to be the chief means of sustenance for a child after being weaned.?°

*This may be a mere rationalization.